What Does a GP Do?

A GP (General Practitioner) is a qualified medical doctor who provides primary healthcare services as your first point of contact in the NHS or privately. They diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions while coordinating overall patient care within the community.

What is a GP?

A GP is a medical doctor who specialises in general practice, providing continuing and comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. They work at the heart of local communities, usually in GP surgeries or health centres, delivering personalised care through face-to-face, telephone and video consultations. They are the backbone of the NHS and gatekeepers to specialist care in the hospitals.

Key Responsibilities of a GP

GPs have a broad range of duties that include:

Conducting patient consultations and physical examinations
Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments
Managing long-term health conditions
Providing preventative care and health advice
Referring patients to specialists when needed
Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
Maintaining detailed patient records
Performing minor surgical procedures

When Should You See a GP?

You should book an appointment with your GP when you:

Have an ongoing health concern that isn’t an emergency
Need advice about physical or mental health issues
Require a prescription or medication review
Need vaccinations or routine health screenings
Want a referral to a specialist
Need help managing a chronic condition

How GPs Work

According to the NHS, a typical GP’s day includes:

Morning surgery: Seeing patients for pre-booked appointments
Home visits: For patients unable to attend the surgery
Administrative work: Reviewing test results and referrals
Afternoon surgery: More patient consultations
Emergency appointments: Seeing urgent cases
Telephone consultations: Providing advice remotely

Training and Qualifications

To become a GP in the UK, doctors must complete:

5-year medical degree recognised by the General Medical Council
2-year foundation programme of general training rotating through various specialities in the hospital and community to gain a broad range of knowledge they can use throughout their careers.
3-year specialist training in general practice
Registration with the General Medical Council

Getting the Most from Your GP Appointment

Remember GPs are often under pressure in the NHS. To make your consultation more effective:

Write down your symptoms before the appointment
Be clear about how long you’ve had the problem
Mention any self-treatment you’ve tried
Bring a list of current medications
Ask questions if you don’t understand anything

Our Video Consultation Service

Need to speak with a GP but can’t make it to the surgery?
With DrOnline, you can book a secure video consultation with one of our experienced, NHS-registered GPs — at a time that suits you, from the comfort of your own home.

Our doctors can provide trusted medical advice, issue prescriptions, arrange referrals, and offer follow-up support where needed.

At DrOnline, we pride ourselves on giving our patients the time, attention, and empathy they deserve. We understand that feeling heard is an essential part of feeling cared for — that’s why our GPs take the time to listen thoughtfully and explain things clearly.

This commitment to patient-centred care is often highlighted in our reviews, with many patients sharing how much they value the calm, caring, and unhurried approach of our doctors. You can read some of their experiences here:
👉 Read our Trustpilot reviews

Book your appointment today and experience healthcare that truly listens.

References:

Reviewed by: Dr Sarah Williams, MRCGP
Last reviewed: January 2025