General Practitioner (GP)

A general practitioner is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages. The family doctor’s responsibilities include diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, while emphasizing preventive care and overall well-being.

What does a general practitioner do?

A general practitioner serves as the first point of contact for your healthcare needs. They perform routine check-ups, treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate care with specialists when necessary. The role of the general practitioner also includes preventive care such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How does a GP visit typically proceed and what to expect during the consultation?

During the visit, general practitioner discusses your health-related concerns, reviews your medical history, and assesses your overall well-being by performing a physical examination (such as inspecting the skin, ears, and throat, auscultating the lungs and heart, palpating abdominal organs, measuring weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure, among others). If necessary, GP may order additional tests, such as blood work, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures, and refer you to a specialist. Based on the findings, the doctor determines the next steps in your treatment plan and provides recommendations on maintaining your health.

When should you visit a GP?

• Preventively – at least once or twice a year, starting from one year of age;
• Persistent fatigue or general discomfort;
• Any new or unexplained pains (chest, head, back, etc.);
• Elevated or low blood pressure, palpitations;
• Changes in laboratory test results;
• Monitoring of chronic diseases – as directed by the doctor;
• Acute illness symptoms, such as viral infections;
• And any other health concerns as they arise.