For some people, visiting the family doctor feels like a social visit. Seeing an old familiar face who knows most of your life events, is familiar with your problems and – most of the time – is able to provide answers and solutions to your problems.
For others, just the thought of going to see a doctor is overwhelmingly scary, and it gets worse when there is a separate fear of undergoing medical tests. If you relate to this statement, you are not alone.
Letter to the Editor
It can be intimidating to walk into a small room with closed windows and cold walls with the purpose of telling a stranger, albeit a professional, about the most intimate details of your life. It may take a scolding from the wife to visit the GP for that new mole or multiple vexing calls from your children to “finally” see the GP.
This story is more common than most people think. On a personal note, I come from a brood of three doctors in the family. My mom would call the three of us in successive turns for a simple symptom like a sore throat or a toothache. We would all advise her to go see her doctor for a proper consultation and three days later, she still has not made an appointment… To those who can empathise, the struggle is real!
Having been a family physician for two decades, I appreciate that the anxiety is real too – but remember that the doctor is there to help you and not to judge you. Everything that you share with your doctor – including the physical and psychological findings – are protected by privacy and confidentiality laws. There are only very few reasons when medical information can be shared – for example, if you have provided consent, it’s mandated by law, or if the information can prevent harm to the patient.
Some ways to alleviate the anxiety of visiting the GP:
- Read the background information of your GP on their official website. This may give you an idea of the general interests of your doctor and help you decide if he or she may be the best to help you.
- Bring a support person to your consultation – and you have the option of asking the support person to wait outside of the consultation room when you want more privacy with your doctor.
- Avoid consulting Dr. Google before seeing the GP to avoid forecasting extreme scenarios.
- Read a magazine or a book or listen to calming music while waiting for the doctor.
- Be honest. There is no right or wrong answer. The doctor will be able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate management if all the information is accurate.
- Do not be embarrassed. The doctor is there to advise and not to chastise.
- Visit the doctor even when you are well. Book wellness checks, preventive health assessments and planning future therapeutic management. This will build better rapport with your GP.
- Ask questions. Communication is key between the GP and the patient. If you are not clear about the instructions or recommendations, ask for clarification or request it to be written down.
Plan your next visit to your doctor. Don’t be coerced. Ask for a longer consult if you think you have a list of questions. The doctor’s job is to keep you well. By getting adequate and appropriate advice, you will feel more empowered in managing your health and undertake processes that you have made an informed decision on.
