Many of us occasionally experience health issues that cannot be resolved with home remedies and require medical attention. When should you contact a family doctor, and how can you ensure smooth communication with the clinic to receive proper advice and treatment?

Here are 10 recommendations to help improve your interaction with the family doctor.

When should you see a family doctor?

You should visit a family doctor if your health problem does not improve with home treatment but does not require urgent intervention, such as calling an ambulance or going to the emergency department. Typically, people seek help from a family doctor for prolonged or acute viral infections, various types of pain, or other medical conditions. Family doctors also monitor patients with chronic diseases, and provides vaccinations for both children and adults.

How to contact the family doctor?

Many people prefer calling by phone, but an increasing number of doctors offer online services. To use these services, you need to log in first, after which you can report an illness, request a prescription refill, or ask for medical advice. Online services benefit both parties: patients can describe their concerns at any convenient time, and the family doctor can better manage its staff’s workload by directing patients to nurse, or other specialist based on the urgency and nature of the issue.

Appointments are not always available on the same day

Appointments with a doctor or nurse are scheduled based on the severity of the health issue. If your condition is acute, you will be seen on the same day. In other cases, an appointment will be scheduled within five working days.

Arrive on time!

If you have an appointment, please arrive on time. If you cannot attend, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

A nurse may see you instead of a doctor

It is increasingly common for nurses to conduct initial consultations. Many health issues fall within a nurse’s competence, and they can assess your condition, provide guidance, and schedule a follow-up if needed. If your condition requires further attention, the nurse will refer you to a doctor or another specialist.

Prepare for your appointment and be specific

Before your visit, take time to think about your health concerns and write down key points. This will help ensure that all important topics are covered within the scheduled time.

Multiple health concerns may require multiple appointments

If you have more than one health issue, addressing them may take longer. You may need to book multiple consecutive appointments—ask about this when scheduling. Also, if you want to discuss another family member’s health, a separate appointment must be booked for them.

Trust medical professionals

Your health is important, and it is natural to want thorough examinations. However, if your doctor does not find certain tests or procedures necessary, there is no reason to doubt their decision. Trust your doctor and nurse!

Follow your prescribed treatment

If your doctor prescribes medication and provides treatment guidelines, follow them carefully. Do not change dosages on your own. For example, blood pressure medication must be taken continuously, not just when your pressure is high. If you experience side effects, consult your doctor to discuss alternatives, rather than stopping the medication abruptly.

Be polite

Please contact your doctor and nurse during working hours and maintain respectful and courteous communication. Mutual respect ensures better cooperation and care.