Registration and Booking an Appointment

1. How can I register with a GP?
   You need to book your appointment in advance with the practice receptionist: either by phone or in person. Walk-in appointments without prior booking are not available.
2. Can I book an appointment over the phone or only in person?
   Yes. You can register and book appointments either by phone or in person at the reception.
3. Do I have to tell the receptionist what my appointment is about?
   Yes. Providing the reason for your visit helps staff schedule your appointment at the most suitable time.
4. What if my issue is private and I don’t want to give details?
   You can simply tell the receptionist that the matter is private. You don’t need to provide any further details.
5. How far in advance should I book an appointment?
   It’s best to book as early as possible to ensure you get a convenient time.
6. Can I book an appointment online?
   At this practice, appointments are mainly booked through the reception, either by phone or in person.
7. Can I book an appointment for my child?
   Yes, but please inform the receptionist and provide the reason for that person’s visit.
8. Can I cancel or reschedule an appointment, and is there a fee?
   Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment by contacting the reception. It’s recommended to do this as early as possible. 

Appointment Duration and Organisation

9. How long does a GP appointment last?
   A standard GP appointment lasts about 10–15 minutes. Usually, one patient is scheduled every 15 minutes.
10. Can I discuss several health issues during one appointment?
    No. Each appointment is meant to address one main health issue. If you have more to discuss, please inform the receptionist, they can arrange another appointment for you.
11. What if I am late for my appointment?
    If you are late, the doctor may need to shorten your consultation or reschedule it for another time. In some cases, you might have to wait several hours for the next available slot.
12. Can I come early and wait if I’m running late?
    You can arrive early, but if you arrive after your appointment has started, the doctor may only see you briefly or ask you to rebook.
13. Can I come without an appointment in an emergency?
    Appointments are only available by prior booking. If you need urgent help, contact the reception, they will check if you can be fitted into the schedule. 

Test Results and Referrals

14.  How will I receive my test results (e.g. blood tests)?
A nurse or receptionist will inform you of your results by SMS or phone call.

15.  Do I need to book an appointment to get my results?
Not always. If your results need to be discussed, the practice will invite you to see the doctor.

16.  Who will contact me when my results are ready?
A nurse or receptionist will contact you by phone or SMS message.

17.  Will the doctor accept test results done in another country?
The doctor is not required to accept test results or recommendations from doctors outside Ireland. They will decide based on local medical guidelines.

18.  Can I get a referral to a specialist during my first visit?
The doctor will decide during your consultation after assessing your condition. Referrals are not issued automatically.

Companions and Translation

19.  Can I bring someone to help me with translation?
Yes. You may bring one person to assist you with translation during your visit.

20.  Can I bring someone to help me undress (for an examination)?
Yes. One person may accompany you and assist you with undressing for the examination.

21.  Can I bring my child to my own appointment if I have no childcare?
If necessary, you may bring your child, but it’s best for adult patients to arrange childcare, the consultation room should remain calm and private.

Fees and Administration

22.  How much does a GP appointment cost?
The cost depends on the practice. Please ask the receptionist when booking your appointment.

23.  Do you accept the Medical Card or GP Visit Card?
Yes, if the practice offers this option, please check with the receptionist when registering.

24.  Do I have to pay before or after the appointment?
It depends on the practice policy. Most often, payment is made after the appointment at reception.

25.  Will I receive proof of payment (e.g. for insurance purposes)?
Yes. Ask the receptionist for a receipt or payment confirmation.

Other Practical Questions

26.  How can I request a prescription for my regular medication?
Call the reception or let them know before your appointment. The doctor will decide whether to renew your prescription.

27.  Can I order a prescription by phone or online?
In some cases, yes, but often a follow-up appointment is required. Please ask the receptionist for details.

28.  Can the doctor issue a medical certificate (e.g. for work)?
Yes, if your health condition requires it, the decision is up to the doctor.

29.  Can I transfer to this practice from another one?
Yes. You need to contact the reception to register and open a new patient file.

30.  How long does it take to register as a new patient?
The process is usually quick, but it depends on how busy the practice is. The receptionist will provide you with the details.

How to order a prescription?

A. Regular (repeat) prescription

Step 1: Send a message
Send a text message or email (SMS preferred). Example:
‘Repeat script for Jan Kowalski’

Step 2: Confirmation
You will receive a SMS confirming that your prescription has been sent to your pharmacy.

Step 3: Collect your medication
Go to your nominated pharmacy and collect your medication for the next 3 months.

B. Single-use (occasional) medications

Step 1:  Send a message
Send a SMS or email describing the medication and the reason. Example:
‘Prescription for Difene - back pain Anna Nowak’

Step 2: Confirmation
You will receive an SMS confirming that the prescription has been sent to the pharmacy.
The doctor may request additional information or a photo (e.g., of a skin condition).

Step 3: Collect your medication
You can collect your medication at the pharmacy of your choice.

Processing time
Orders placed before 1:00 PM, the same day
Orders placed after 1:00 PM, next working day
In exceptional cases, up to 48 hours

Tips
*If you change your phone number or pharmacy, inform us.
*For long-term medications, attend a check-up every 6-12 months.
*Do not order medications for other people, doctor prescribes only for patients registered at our clinic.