GP Questions Checklist

Am I being referred as a routine, urgent, or urgent-suspected-cancer case?

Why: Priority category determines which waiting list you join and how fast you'll be seen. Urgent referrals jump outpatient queues; urgent-suspected-cancer triggers the Rapid Access pathway (target: 10-working-day appointment).

Which hospital are you referring me to, and why that one?

Why: You can ask to be referred to any public hospital in Ireland. Your GP typically picks the closest, but you can request a hospital with shorter waiting times (compare hospitals on CareCompass first).

Would I be seen sooner at a different hospital for the same specialty?

Why: Waiting times vary significantly across public hospitals. Your GP can refer you to any hospital in the country, not just the local one.

Am I going on an outpatient (OPD), inpatient/day-case (IPDC), or GI endoscopy list?

Why: These are separate lists with different waits. Most referrals start with OPD (see consultant) before joining IPDC (for surgery). Understanding which list matters when checking NTPF data.

What is the name of my suspected condition, and how is it spelled?

Why: Knowing the precise medical term lets you research your own condition, understand letters you receive, and check entitlements with your insurer or HSE.

Which tests have been done so far, and which ones will the specialist still need?

Why: If you can get bloods, imaging, or other baseline tests done now, you may shorten your consultant appointment or speed up decisions at the first visit.

What is the typical waiting time for this specialty at this hospital?

Why: A realistic timeframe lets you plan work, childcare, travel, and decide whether to explore private or cross-border options.

What symptoms should make me come back to you, or go straight to A&E?

Why: If your condition deteriorates before your appointment, you may qualify for an urgent upgrade. Your GP needs to know what red-flag symptoms to watch for.

What should I do about symptoms/pain in the meantime?

Why: Medication, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes may be available while you wait. Ask for a written plan so you can manage at home.

How do I ask for a clinical review if my wait exceeds the stated timeframe?

Why: If your wait goes beyond what's reasonable, the GP can write to the consultant or hospital requesting an upgrade. The hospital's waiting list manager can also be contacted directly.

Could the NTPF contact me, and how will I know if they do?

Why: The NTPF contacts patients directly by phone or letter. They do not go through your GP. Make sure your contact details on file at the hospital are current.

If I went private, which consultants do you recommend and what's the rough cost?

Why: Most private hospitals in Ireland do not publish prices — it's quote-based. Your GP can share which consultants they trust and the informal cost expectation.

Would my condition qualify under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive?

Why: You may be able to receive treatment in another EU country and claim the cost back from the HSE up to the Irish public rate. Prior authorisation is required for most inpatient/overnight care.

Can I have a copy of the referral letter for my own records?

Why: Having the letter means you can share it with other specialists (if you seek a second opinion), your insurer, or simply know what was said about you.

When should I come back to you regardless of the hospital appointment?

Why: A GP follow-up keeps your GP informed and catches any deterioration between now and the consultant appointment.