Skip to main content

How do I get my GP to review a diagnosis or treatment plan?

Speak To An Expert

Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.

Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.


Start by booking a GP appointment

If you want your GP to review a diagnosis or treatment plan, the first step is to book an appointment and explain that you would like a review. You do not need to wait until things get worse before asking for a second look.

Be clear about what you are concerned about. For example, you might feel that symptoms are not improving, side effects are difficult, or the diagnosis does not fully explain what is happening.

Bring the right information

It helps to take any letters, test results, hospital discharge papers, or a list of current medicines. If you have seen a specialist, bring copies of their recommendations too.

Write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they have changed. A short timeline can make it easier for your GP to see the full picture quickly.

Explain what you want reviewed

Try to be specific about what you would like your GP to look at. You may want them to check whether the diagnosis still seems correct, whether another condition should be considered, or whether the treatment is working as expected.

If you are worried about a medicine, mention any side effects, missed doses, or problems with taking it. This helps your GP decide whether the plan should be adjusted, stopped, or replaced.

Ask questions and share your concerns

You can ask your GP why the diagnosis was made and what else could explain your symptoms. It is also reasonable to ask what would make them reconsider the diagnosis.

If you do not understand the treatment plan, ask what each medicine or recommendation is for, how long it should take to help, and what warning signs mean you should seek advice sooner.

Request a second opinion if needed

If you still feel unsure after the appointment, you can ask whether a second opinion or referral is appropriate. In the NHS, this is not always automatic, but your GP can advise you on the next step.

Be polite but firm if you feel your concerns have not been fully addressed. You can say that you would like the decision or plan reviewed because the symptoms, results, or side effects do not fit with the current approach.

Keep records and follow up

After the appointment, make a note of what was agreed, including any new tests, medication changes, or follow-up dates. This makes it easier to track progress and spot whether the plan is helping.

If nothing improves or new symptoms appear, contact the practice again. Reviewing a diagnosis or treatment plan is often a process, and it is okay to keep asking for help until you feel the situation has been properly addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

GP review diagnosis or treatment plan is a doctor-led review where a general practitioner assesses your symptoms, confirms or updates a diagnosis, and discusses suitable treatment options, follow-up, and next steps.

Eligibility for GP review diagnosis or treatment plan usually depends on your symptoms, medical history, and the GP's assessment of whether a review is clinically appropriate. Your GP can advise whether this service suits your situation.

Someone may need GP review diagnosis or treatment plan if symptoms are ongoing, a previous diagnosis needs confirmation, treatment is not working well, or a second clinical review is needed to refine care.

During GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, the GP typically asks about symptoms, reviews your history, may perform an examination, considers test results if available, and then discusses diagnosis and treatment options with you.

The length of GP review diagnosis or treatment plan varies, but appointments commonly last long enough for a focused clinical review, discussion of concerns, and a plan for treatment or further investigations.

For GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, bring a list of your symptoms, current medications, previous test results, relevant reports, and any questions you want to ask so the review is as useful as possible.

Yes, GP review diagnosis or treatment plan can include referrals if the GP believes specialist assessment, imaging, or another service is needed to confirm a diagnosis or support treatment.

Yes, GP review diagnosis or treatment plan can update an existing diagnosis if new symptoms, examination findings, or test results suggest a change in the likely cause of your condition.

Yes, GP review diagnosis or treatment plan can change your current treatment if the GP finds a different approach may work better, or if your condition has improved, worsened, or become more specific.

You do not always need test results for GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, but any relevant results can help the GP make a more informed decision about diagnosis and treatment.

Coverage for GP review diagnosis or treatment plan depends on your location, eligibility, and the billing arrangements used by the clinic. The practice can tell you whether rebates or fees apply.

GP review diagnosis or treatment plan usually does not require a referral because it is a general practice service, but some clinics may ask for previous records or reports to support the review.

Yes, GP review diagnosis or treatment plan is often used for chronic conditions, especially when symptoms change, treatment needs adjustment, or the diagnosis needs ongoing reassessment.

During GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, you may ask what the likely diagnosis is, why a treatment is recommended, what side effects to watch for, when to follow up, and whether more tests are needed.

GP review diagnosis or treatment plan may be arranged urgently if your symptoms are worsening, concerning, or require prompt assessment. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, seek emergency care instead.

The main risks of GP review diagnosis or treatment plan are usually related to delays in diagnosis if symptoms are complex, or side effects from treatment. Your GP will discuss benefits, risks, and alternatives.

To prepare for GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, write down your symptoms, note when they started, list medicines and allergies, gather any reports, and think about your main goals for the visit.

Yes, GP review diagnosis or treatment plan can lead to further investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist assessment if the GP needs more information to confirm diagnosis or guide treatment.

After GP review diagnosis or treatment plan, follow-up may include another GP appointment, test review, medication changes, monitoring of symptoms, or referral to another health professional if needed.

GP review diagnosis or treatment plan is usually more focused on confirming or revising a diagnosis and deciding the best treatment plan, while a standard GP consultation may cover a broader range of health concerns.

Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.

  • Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
  • Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
  • To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
  • Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
  • You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
  • Go to the video you'd like to watch.
  • If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
  • To turn on Captions, click settings.
  • To turn off Captions, click settings again.