How to make the most of your next GP or NP appointment

A standard GP or NP appointment is 15 minutes, including the time your practitioner needs for administration, such as reviewing and updating your clinical notes. This generally means around 10–12 minutes of consultation time.

That’s usually enough to address one main health issue or two simpler concerns. If you have three or more health concerns to discuss, or a complex concern, please ask your healthcare team about booking a double appointment.

Make a few notes before your consultation

It’s easy to forget everything you wanted to ask once you’re sitting in the consultation room, so making a few notes beforehand can help.

We recommend keeping them brief so they’re there to jog your memory. Write down your main symptoms, when they started and anything that makes them better or worse. Then note up to four main questions you have.

Arrive a few minutes early

Where possible, please arrive five minutes before your appointment, whether it’s in person at the practice or a virtual appointment. This gives you time to check in and helps us keep appointments running to schedule, so you and other patients can make the most of the time allocated with your GP or NP.

Lead with what matters most

Don’t save your biggest concern until the end of the appointment – even if it feels personal or embarrassing.

Tell your GP or NP what’s most important to you early in the consultation so they can make sure it gets the attention it needs.

It also helps to be clear about what you’re hoping to get from the appointment. For example,  if you want to discuss a particular test, referral or treatment, let your practitioner know. They may recommend a different approach, but understanding your expectations helps you have a useful conversation about your options.

Be prepared to answer questions

Your GP or NP may ask quite a few questions to better understand what’s happening. Some may not seem directly related to the reason you came in, but they can provide important clues about your health.

Try to answer as openly and accurately as you can – there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Our GPs are used to talking about all kinds of personal and sensitive health concerns, from mental and sexual health to bowel habits, alcohol and drug use. Being honest gives your GP or NP the information they need to provide the best possible care.

Bring someone you trust

You’re welcome to bring a trusted friend or whānau member, or another support person to your appointment. 

Having someone with you can help if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. They can provide support, help you remember important information and be a second set of ears when your GP explains your options or next steps.

Ask if something isn't clear

Medical information can be difficult to take in, particularly when you’re worried about your health.

If you don’t understand something, ask your GP or NP to explain it again or put it in simpler terms. Before you leave, you can also ask them to summarise what you’ve discussed and what happens next, either verbally or provide notes where appropriate.

Make sure you understand what the next steps are — whether you need to book another appointment, have a test, start or change medication, or wait to hear from the practice.

See your regular GP or NP when you can

For ongoing or complex health concerns, seeing the same GP where possible can help with continuity of care. They know your health history and can follow how things are progressing over time.

If your usual practitioner isn’t available and your concern can’t wait, another clinician can still help and will have shared access to your clinical record.

Stay informed between appointments

The Doctors App makes it easier to manage your healthcare before and after your appointment. Depending on the services available at your medical centre, you can use the App to book appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and view your test results and consultation notes, helping you stay informed and organised between visits. Note: Our patient portal is only available once you become an enrolled patient at one of our medical centres, and some of them use a different provider.

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Remember, your appointment is your time to talk about your health, so don’t be afraid to come prepared and ask questions. We’re here to listen, help and provide the best care possible.