An NHS doctor has urged patients to challenge their GPs with three questions if they feel their health worries are being sidelined. A 2024 survey involving nearly 2,000 UK residents revealed that a staggering two-fifths of patients admitted to leaving their GP appointments without having all their health concerns addressed.
According to the poll, while over half (51 percent) felt they could discuss “everything” or “most things” during their last visit to the GP, a significant 40 percent managed to talk about only “some things”, “hardly anything”, or “nothing at all”. Dr Karan Rajan, known online as Dr Raj, took to TikTok to explain: “If you feel that your doctor ignores your concerns and undermines your symptoms, here is how to advocate for your health.”
He emphasised the importance of posing follow-up questions, no matter how “awkward” they may seem, adding: “Ask questions, even the awkward ones.” Dr Raj highlighted that while doctors are trained for critical thinking, they often operate on autopilot due to workload pressures. By asking probing questions, patients can prompt their doctors to engage more deeply with their concerns.
He specifically suggested three questions to help patients:
- What else could this be?
- Are there any tests we haven’t done yet?
- Can you explain why you think this is normal for me?
In addition to asking questions, he suggested four other strategies to ensure your health concerns are taken seriously.
Keep a symptom diary
Firstly, Dr Raj recommended keeping a symptom diary. He said: “Keep a detailed record of your symptoms when they occur, how severe they are, what makes them better or worse and how they impact your daily life.”
He added: “Pro tip – use specific language, for example, instead of, ‘I’m tired’ – ‘I feel like I’m being hit by a trunk at 2pm every afternoon and it’s making me miss deadlines at work.”
Request a referral
Secondly, if you feel like you aren’t making progress, you should request a referral to a specialist. Dr Raj stated: “If your doctor is stumped or worse, dismissive, ask for referral to a specialist.”
He explained: “Specialists have deeper expertise in specific areas. For example, that muscle pain that won’t go away could be fibromyalgia. ” He also mentioned: “That horrible period cramp could be endometriosis. Pro tip – frame as curiosity, not confrontation. For example, ‘I feel more comfortable ruling out X. Can we explore it with a specialist? ’”
Bring back-up
Thirdly, he advised bringing someone along to your appointments if you don’t feel like you’re being listened to. “Having a trusted friend or family member at your appointment can be a game changer,” Dr Raj said. “They can take notes as follow-up questions and back you up if you feel dismissed.”
Know your rights
Lastly, he emphasised the importance of knowing your rights. Dr Raj stressed the importance of seeking a second opinion or turning to patient advocacy groups when necessary. He stated: “In most countries you’re entitled to a second opinion and access to your medical records, use these rights liberally.”
Adding a helpful hint, he said: “Pro tip – if you’re dealing with a complex or chronic condition, consider consulting patient advocacy groups or online communities for advice.”