The world of medical care has drastically changed in the past year and you can now see your GP online for many health issues. To avoid going into your next appointment unprepared, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have everything you need on hand.
Check Your Vitals
The doctor will need to know your vital signs, which means you should know your:
Pulse rate. Take this by placing two fingers (not your thumb) on your neck or wrist to feel your pulse. Count how many beats you can feel in 30 seconds, then double this to get your heart rate.
Breathing rate. This is similar to your pulse. Just pay attention to how many breaths you take for 30 seconds and then double for your rate.
Assemble Your Equipment
You certainly don’t need much in the way of equipment, but it can be helpful to have a couple of items on hand.
A flashlight or moveable lamp is useful for illuminating shadowed areas, such as your throat. This will help your GP see the issue better. You may need to illuminate a rash or spot, as well, so keep something ready to make it easier for them to see.
Thermometers are another essential item for every home and this will let your GP know what your temperature is. You can also take your temperature over time so you can report the progression of a fever.
If you are diabetic, you should also have a glucometer to check your blood sugar and if you deal with pulmonary disease, you may want to keep a peak flow metre at home. These are both ideal for giving the GP a better idea of how your health is doing.
Finally, this is not essential, but it can be quite helpful to have a pulse oximeter on hand if you have respiratory issues. It will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Choose the Right Space
Ideally, you’ll be in a quiet, tranquil space that has minimal distractions. You should aim to sit in front of a window so there’s natural light on you, but if that isn’t possible, go ahead and choose a well-illuminated space in your home.
You’ll need a bit of room to move around, particularly if you are dealing with pain in other parts of the body than the head and shoulders. Your doctor may need to see you move around in order to evaluate the problem.
If you take any medications, make sure you have the list in front of you. Anything you can log, such as how many times you have had diarrhoea or how often you have vomited, will be useful to the doctor, as well.
When you go into the online GP appointment prepared, you’ll end up getting more benefits than if you aren’t ready. This also ensures your appointment will be quick and efficient.
Ready to talk to a GP about your health? Schedule an appointment with NHS GP today.
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