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An NHS doctor has advised individuals to ask three specific questions to their GP if they feel their health concerns are being “overlooked”. The expert recommends adopting certain strategies to ensure that patients feel fully heard during consultations.
This advice comes in the wake of a 2024 survey involving nearly 2,000 Brits, which found that 40% of patients left their GP’s office feeling that they hadn’t dealt with all their health issues.
The findings showed that while 51% of respondents were able to talk about “everything” or “most things” they intended to discuss during their last GP appointment, 40% only managed to address “some things”, “hardly anything” or “nothing at all”.
Doctor Karan Rajan, who is widely recognised online as Dr Raj, used social media platform TikTok to elaborate further.
Speaking to his audience of over five million, the doctor said: “If you feel your doctor is dismissing your health concerns, here are some ways to take charge of your healthcare.”
This involves posing follow-up questions, even if they might seem “awkward”. He added: “Ask questions, even the awkward ones.
“Doctors are trained to analyze situations critically, but they often operate on autopilot. By asking questions, you compel them to slow down and fully consider your concerns.”
He outlined three questions you could attempt asking for this purpose:
- 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?
Alongside asking questions, he shared four other ways to make sure your health issues are taken seriously.
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Keep a symptom diary
Dr Raj recommended documenting all the symptoms you experience to share with your GP. “Track your symptoms closely, noting when they occur, their severity, what alleviates or exacerbates them, and how they affect your daily routine,” he advised.
“Pro tip – use specific language, for example, instead of, ‘I’m tired’ – ‘I feel like I’m being hit by a truck at 2pm every afternoon and it’s making me miss deadlines at work.”
Push for referrals
If you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere you should ask to take it further with a specialist. Dr Raj said: “If your doctor is stumped or worse, dismissive, ask for referral to a specialist.
“Specialists have deeper expertise in specific areas. For example, that muscle pain that won’t go away could be fibromyalgia.
“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?'”
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express
Bring back up
He recommended 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
Finally, he suggested seeking a second opinion or utilising patient advocacy groups if necessary. Dr Raj stated: “In most countries you’re entitled to a second opinion and access to your medical records, use these rights liberally.
“Pro tip – if you’re dealing with a complex or chronic condition, consider consulting patient advocacy groups or online communities for advice.”
