What happens at a GP appointment?

How long GP appointments last

Most GP appointments in the UK last around 10 minutes.

However, appointment lengths can vary depending on the practice and the reason for the consultation.

Some GP practices offer:

• standard appointments (usually 10 minutes)
• longer appointments for complex health issues
• telephone or video consultations

Appointment formats vary significantly between practices. Many GP practices now use total triage models, where the first point of contact may be an online form or phone assessment rather than a traditional booked slot.

Some practices now assess patients through an online form or phone call before offering an appointment, so your first contact may not always be a traditional face-to-face booking.

What happens during a GP appointment

Although every consultation is different, most GP appointments follow a similar structure.

1. Explaining your symptoms

The GP will usually start by asking about your symptoms and why you booked the appointment. You may be asked questions such as:

• when your symptoms started
• whether they have changed over time
• whether anything makes them better or worse

2. Medical questions

The GP may ask about your medical history, medications, or family health history. This helps the doctor understand the wider context of your health.

Examination and diagnosis

In some cases, the GP may perform a physical examination. Examples include:

• checking blood pressure
• listening to your heart or lungs
• examining the affected area

Based on the consultation and any examination, the GP may provide a diagnosis or recommend further tests to investigate your symptoms.

Treatment and prescriptions

At the end of the consultation, the GP may recommend treatment. This could include:

• prescribing medication
• recommending self-care or lifestyle changes
• arranging tests such as blood tests or scans

Prescriptions are usually sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy, where you can collect your medication.

GP referrals

If your GP believes you need further investigation or specialist treatment, they may refer you to services such as:

• hospital consultants
• diagnostic services
• mental health specialists
• autism or ADHD assessment pathways

Referral waiting times can vary depending on the service. Learn more about how NHS referrals work.

Types of GP appointments

GP practices may offer different types of consultations depending on the patient's needs:

• Face-to-face appointments — in-person consultations at the GP surgery
• Telephone consultations — a call from the GP to discuss symptoms
• Video consultations — remote appointments using video software
• Urgent same-day appointments — for conditions that cannot wait

Preparing for a GP appointment

Being prepared can help you make the most of your consultation time. You may want to:

• write down your symptoms and when they started
• note any medications you are currently taking
• prepare questions you would like to ask
• bring any relevant test results or letters

What happens after the appointment

After your consultation, the GP may arrange follow-up care. This could include:

• collecting medication from a pharmacy
• attending tests or scans
• waiting for a specialist referral appointment
• booking a follow-up consultation

In some cases, the GP may advise monitoring symptoms and returning if the condition changes.

Navigating primary care

GP appointments are a central part of the NHS primary care system.

Understanding how appointments work can help patients access healthcare more effectively.

Find Care Compare provides guides and tools designed to help patients understand healthcare services and explore available care options.

Sources

This article summarises publicly available information from:

• NHS guidance on GP services
• NHS patient appointment information
• NHS electronic prescription guidance