7 myths about seeing your GP

There's no shortage of intel out there about how doctors spend their working day, but the reality isn't always what you might think. Here are the most common misbeliefs I've heard...

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1 GP LUNCH HOURS ARE LONG

It may feel this way if your surgery seems to just offer a morning or late afternoon clinic, but most GPs spend time between seeing patients catching up on paperwork, reviewing test results, writing referrals, calling patients with results, visiting housebound patients at home and having clinical meetings.

2 WE'RE PAID TO PRESCRIBE CERTAIN DRUGS

In the UK, pharmaceutical companies cannot pay NHS doctors to prescribe medications. Prescribing decisions are based on clinical guidelines, patient safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for the NHS – and they’re monitored. GPs may be asked to make cost or safety switches.