An NHS doctor has encouraged people to pose three particular questions to their GP if they believe their medical worries are being “dismissed”. The specialist suggests there are measures everyone can adopt to guarantee they feel adequately listened to.
His guidance follows a 2024 survey of nearly 2,000 Britons which revealed that two-fifths of patients claimed they departed their GP consultation without addressing everything concerning them about their wellbeing.
The research demonstrated that whilst 51% of people stated they managed to discuss “everything” or “most things” they wished to mention during their last GP visit, 40% could only cover “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.
Addressing his more than five million followers, he stated: “If you feel that your doctor ignores your concerns and undermines your symptoms, here is how to advocate for your health.”
This involves posing follow-up questions, even if they might seem “awkward”. He added: “Ask questions, even the awkward ones.
“Doctors are trained to think critically but a lot of the time they’re working on autopilot. Asking questions forces them to slow down and engage with 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 advocated for keeping track of all the symptoms you experience to then present to your GP. “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 said.
“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?'”
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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.”