Are you making this common mistake that got me kicked out of my GP’s office in just 6 minutes?
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Visiting the doctor is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time. You’re already feeling under the weather, you’ve probably waited longer than you’d like in a stuffy waiting room, and by the time you finally get called in, you’re hoping for a bit of care and attention—maybe even a friendly chat. But what happens when your appointment is over almost as soon as it begins?
That’s exactly what happened to one Sydney patient, who recently shared their experience online after being shown the door by their GP just six minutes into the consultation. The reason? They brought a list of issues to discuss—something many of us have done, especially when we haven’t seen the doctor in a while.
A Quick Visit Turns Sour
The patient, a 19-year-old who’s been seeing the same GP for 15 years, arrived with their dad and a list of five minor concerns. But before they could get through their list, the doctor abruptly cut them off: ‘You can't just come in here after 11 months and ask me everything. You need to come here more often. A standard session is 6 minutes. I need to go somewhere now.’
At first, the patient thought it was a joke—surely, a standard appointment would last at least 10 minutes? But the doctor was serious, and the consultation ended then and there. To add insult to injury, the patient later discovered that the clinic’s standard appointment time was actually 15 minutes, not six.
This wasn’t the first time the family had felt short-changed. On a previous visit, the GP charged them for two sessions after the patient’s dad asked a quick question about his own health—despite the question taking just 10 seconds.
The Great GP Time Debate
The story struck a nerve online, with many people expressing outrage at the doctor’s behaviour. ‘Time for a new doctor. 6 minutes is not at all adequate,’ one commenter wrote. Others shared their own frustrations: ‘The GP time slots are a joke. I walk into mine, I wait 30 minutes, I’m running 5 minutes late and they cancelled my appointment.’
Most agreed that six minutes is barely enough time to say hello, let alone discuss multiple health concerns. Standard appointments, they said, should be at least 10–15 minutes, with longer slots available for more complex issues.
But not everyone was on the patient’s side. Some pointed out that expecting to cover five issues in a standard appointment is unrealistic. ‘Most clinics will give you a guide that a standard appointment is for 1–2 issues only. You will need a long appointment for multiple issues,’ one person explained.
Why Are Appointments So Short?
It’s a question many of us have asked, especially as GP wait times seem to get longer and appointments feel shorter. The reality is that GPs are under increasing pressure, with packed schedules and a growing list of administrative tasks. The time you spend in the room is just part of the story—doctors also need to review your medical history, write up notes, and handle paperwork before and after your visit.
If every patient booked a standard appointment but brought a laundry list of concerns, the whole day’s schedule could be thrown out of whack. That’s why many clinics recommend booking a ‘long consult’ if you have more than one or two issues to discuss.
How to Get the Most Out of Your GP Visit
So, what can you do to avoid being rushed out the door? Here are a few tips:
1. Book the Right Appointment: If you have several issues to discuss, ask for a long appointment when you book. Most clinics are happy to accommodate, and it means your doctor can give you the time you need.
2. Prioritise Your Concerns: If you can’t get a long appointment, make a list and focus on the most urgent issues first. You can always book a follow-up for less pressing matters.
3. Be Upfront: Let your GP know at the start of the appointment how many things you’d like to discuss. They can help you decide what’s most important to cover in the time available.
4. Know Your Rights: If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly or charged incorrectly, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask the receptionist or practice manager for clarification.
The Bigger Picture: GP Access in Australia
It’s no secret that Australia’s healthcare system is under strain. Bulk billing is becoming less common, out-of-pocket costs are rising, and many GPs are stretched thin. For older Australians, especially those managing chronic conditions, these changes can make it harder to get the care you need.
If you’re finding it difficult to get a timely or thorough appointment, you’re not alone. It might be worth shopping around for a new GP who better suits your needs—or even considering telehealth options for less urgent issues.
Your Turn: Have Your Say!
Have you ever felt rushed during a GP appointment? Do you think appointment times are too short these days? Or have you found a doctor who always takes the time to listen? We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share your experiences in the comments below and let’s help each other get the care we deserve!
READ MORE: Medicare urgent care clinics spark debate: Game-changing fix or temporary cover-up?
That’s exactly what happened to one Sydney patient, who recently shared their experience online after being shown the door by their GP just six minutes into the consultation. The reason? They brought a list of issues to discuss—something many of us have done, especially when we haven’t seen the doctor in a while.
A Quick Visit Turns Sour
The patient, a 19-year-old who’s been seeing the same GP for 15 years, arrived with their dad and a list of five minor concerns. But before they could get through their list, the doctor abruptly cut them off: ‘You can't just come in here after 11 months and ask me everything. You need to come here more often. A standard session is 6 minutes. I need to go somewhere now.’
A teenager was kicked out by their GP just 6 minutes into the consultation. Credit: Online Marketing / Unsplash
At first, the patient thought it was a joke—surely, a standard appointment would last at least 10 minutes? But the doctor was serious, and the consultation ended then and there. To add insult to injury, the patient later discovered that the clinic’s standard appointment time was actually 15 minutes, not six.
This wasn’t the first time the family had felt short-changed. On a previous visit, the GP charged them for two sessions after the patient’s dad asked a quick question about his own health—despite the question taking just 10 seconds.
The Great GP Time Debate
The story struck a nerve online, with many people expressing outrage at the doctor’s behaviour. ‘Time for a new doctor. 6 minutes is not at all adequate,’ one commenter wrote. Others shared their own frustrations: ‘The GP time slots are a joke. I walk into mine, I wait 30 minutes, I’m running 5 minutes late and they cancelled my appointment.’
Most agreed that six minutes is barely enough time to say hello, let alone discuss multiple health concerns. Standard appointments, they said, should be at least 10–15 minutes, with longer slots available for more complex issues.
But not everyone was on the patient’s side. Some pointed out that expecting to cover five issues in a standard appointment is unrealistic. ‘Most clinics will give you a guide that a standard appointment is for 1–2 issues only. You will need a long appointment for multiple issues,’ one person explained.
Why Are Appointments So Short?
It’s a question many of us have asked, especially as GP wait times seem to get longer and appointments feel shorter. The reality is that GPs are under increasing pressure, with packed schedules and a growing list of administrative tasks. The time you spend in the room is just part of the story—doctors also need to review your medical history, write up notes, and handle paperwork before and after your visit.
If every patient booked a standard appointment but brought a laundry list of concerns, the whole day’s schedule could be thrown out of whack. That’s why many clinics recommend booking a ‘long consult’ if you have more than one or two issues to discuss.
How to Get the Most Out of Your GP Visit
So, what can you do to avoid being rushed out the door? Here are a few tips:
1. Book the Right Appointment: If you have several issues to discuss, ask for a long appointment when you book. Most clinics are happy to accommodate, and it means your doctor can give you the time you need.
2. Prioritise Your Concerns: If you can’t get a long appointment, make a list and focus on the most urgent issues first. You can always book a follow-up for less pressing matters.
3. Be Upfront: Let your GP know at the start of the appointment how many things you’d like to discuss. They can help you decide what’s most important to cover in the time available.
4. Know Your Rights: If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly or charged incorrectly, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask the receptionist or practice manager for clarification.
The Bigger Picture: GP Access in Australia
It’s no secret that Australia’s healthcare system is under strain. Bulk billing is becoming less common, out-of-pocket costs are rising, and many GPs are stretched thin. For older Australians, especially those managing chronic conditions, these changes can make it harder to get the care you need.
If you’re finding it difficult to get a timely or thorough appointment, you’re not alone. It might be worth shopping around for a new GP who better suits your needs—or even considering telehealth options for less urgent issues.
Your Turn: Have Your Say!
Have you ever felt rushed during a GP appointment? Do you think appointment times are too short these days? Or have you found a doctor who always takes the time to listen? We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share your experiences in the comments below and let’s help each other get the care we deserve!
READ MORE: Medicare urgent care clinics spark debate: Game-changing fix or temporary cover-up?
