AccessGP Knowledge Base

Understanding Your Health: GP Reviewed Information

Knowing when to see a GP, what type of appointment you need, and what happens next can feel confusing, especially when you are unwell or worried. This section of the AccessGP Knowledge Base explains how primary care works in practice, including consultation types, face to face assessment, referrals (including the 2 week wait pathway), and what to expect from tests and hospital appointments.

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What this Understanding Your Health section covers

This section includes GP reviewed, practical guidance on how health concerns are assessed and managed in primary care. The articles explain how GPs decide on the most appropriate consultation type, when urgent assessment is needed, and how NHS and private pathways differ, including referrals and investigations. Topics include:

Each article provides clear, non diagnostic information based on current clinical practice and patient safety.

Common reasons people look for guidance on consultation types and referrals

People often contact a GP when symptoms persist or when they are unsure whether antibiotics or further assessment are needed. Common reasons include:

People often search for this information when they:

  • are unsure if their symptoms need a face to face examination
  • have been advised to seek urgent care and want to understand why
  • are waiting for a referral or hospital appointment and want clarity on timelines and next steps
  • have received blood test results and want to understand what they mean
  • have ongoing symptoms and are not sure what type of consultation is appropriate
  • want to know what a 2 week wait referral is and when it is used

In private GP care, these conversations often focus on clarity, safety, and what the most appropriate next step is for your specific situation.

Understanding your health topics explained in this section

Below is an overview of the main areas covered. Each has a dedicated article for more detail.

Consultation types: text-based, telephone, video and face to face

Online GP consultations can be an efficient way to assess many symptoms, provide advice, arrange tests, and plan next steps. This article explains which problems are suitable for remote assessment, what information helps, and when a face to face appointment is safer.

When you need a face to face GP appointment

Some symptoms need examination to assess severity, rule out serious causes, or decide on treatment. This article covers common situations where a face to face assessment is usually recommended, including red flag symptoms and safety considerations.

Urgent care, emergency care, and when to seek help

Knowing whether something is urgent can be difficult. This article explains the difference between routine GP care, urgent GP assessment, urgent treatment centres, and emergency care, including examples of symptoms that should not wait.

GP referrals explained: routine referrals and private referrals

Referrals are a common part of care when symptoms need specialist assessment, imaging, or further tests. This article explains how referrals work, what information is usually included, and what options exist for private referrals and shared care pathways.

What is a 2 week wait (2WW) referral for cancer?

The 2 week wait pathway is designed for symptoms that may indicate cancer and need urgent specialist assessment. This article explains what triggers a 2WW referral, what happens next, and why a referral does not automatically mean cancer is suspected, but it does mean timely assessment is appropriate.

What to expect after a hospital referral or outpatient appointment

Hospital pathways vary, but many follow a predictable process. This article explains typical steps such as triage, investigations, first appointments, follow ups, and how results are communicated, including common reasons for delays.

Understanding test results: blood tests, imaging, and what “normal” means

Test results need to be interpreted in context. This article explains how GPs use blood tests and imaging to support decision-making, what can cause borderline results, and when repeat testing or monitoring is more appropriate than immediate treatment.

How GPs assess problems in practice

Most clinical decisions are not based on one symptom or one test alone. A GP will usually:

  • take a structured history, including timing, triggers, and severity
  • review medicines, allergies, and past medical history
  • check for red flag features that may require urgent assessment
  • consider examination, monitoring, or investigations where appropriate
  • agree a plan, including safety netting and follow up

Where investigations are needed, a GP uses tests to support decision-making, not to replace clinical judgement.

Linking Understanding Your Health to other Knowledge Base hubs

Many “what should I do next” questions overlap with specific health topics. Where relevant, articles in this section link to other Knowledge Base hubs, for example:

This helps you understand how decisions are made in real primary care consultations.

When to book a GP appointment

Speak to a GP if:

  • you have symptoms that are worrying, persistent, or worsening
  • you are unsure whether your symptoms need a face to face examination
  • you have received test results and would like a GP to explain them clearly
  • you have been advised to seek urgent assessment and want safe guidance on next steps
  • you would like to discuss referral options, including private referrals where appropriate
  • you want a structured plan with clear safety netting

A private GP appointment allows time to explore your concerns, assess risk, and agree the most appropriate next step based on your situation.

Explore expert, GP-reviewed insights into your health across the AccessGP Knowledge Base.

If you would like to discuss general health or any of the topics above, you can book an online GP appointment with AccessGP.

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Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 31 January 2026