Questions to ask a new GP before you switch your family's care over

Switching your family's GP is not just about finding someone available or nearby—it's about building a relationship with someone who'll handle your health decisions for years. The right time to probe is *before* you commit, not after your third frustrated visit.

Questions about your specific needs and medical history

Start with whether the practice actually works with families the way you do. "Do you manage multi-generational care in one practice, or do you refer children to a separate paediatrician?" matters if you want the same doctor seeing your three-year-old and your 75-year-old mother. A confident answer tells you they've thought about continuity. A vague one suggests they haven't.

Next: "How do you handle chronic conditions—say, diabetes or hypertension—versus acute illness?" A good GP will explain whether they use recall systems, whether they'll adjust medication proactively or wait for crisis, and how often they'll want to see you. Someone who says "we'll manage it as it comes" is flagging that follow-up isn't systematic. You want to know their approach before your family depends on it.

Ask directly about their stance on preventive care. "Do you run screening programmes for blood pressure, cholesterol, cervical cancer or other common issues?" and "Are you part of any chronic disease management networks?" A practice invested in prevention schedules these routines and has frameworks for them. Practices that don't often leave it to chance.

Access, communication and how problems get solved

Consultation times and booking matter far more than most people realise. "How long is a standard appointment, and how far in advance do I need to book?" If it's 10 minutes and three weeks out, that's fine for a routine check, but risky if a child has an ear infection or you need an urgent review. Ask too: "What happens if someone needs to be seen urgently?" A reliable answer includes a same-day slot or an on-call system, not just a referral to casualty.

Communication style is worth testing. "Can we reach you by WhatsApp or email between visits for minor questions, or is it phone only?" and "If I message on Friday evening, when should I expect to hear back?" Both matter. A practice that sets clear expectations avoids the frustration of unanswered queries or missed messages. If they say "no, it's phone only and we don't do out-of-hours", that's fair—but you need to know it upfront.

Dig into what happens when things go wrong. "If I'm unhappy with a diagnosis or a treatment isn't working, how do you handle that conversation?" Evasiveness or defensiveness here is a red flag. A practice worth joining treats complaint as feedback, not attack.

Medical records, costs and practical logistics

Get the admin stuff clear before signing up. "Can you transfer my medical records from my current GP?" and "How long does that usually take?" Some practices chase records promptly; others sit on the request. A sluggish answer here predicts sluggish service later.

Understand billing. "Do I pay per visit, or is there an annual fee? Do you bill the medical aid directly, or do I claim myself?" This isn't about cheapness—it's about avoiding surprise invoices or rejected claims. If they're unclear, ask for a specimen account.

Finally: "Are you registered with the HPCSA?" This is non-negotiable. Ask for their registration number so you can verify it independently. A good GP hands it over without hesitation.

Take notes during the call. Hesitation, jargon-heavy replies, or irritation at practical questions tells you something. Switching a family's care is a deliberate act. A doctor worth moving to will welcome the vetting—because they know a good patient relationship rests on clarity from the start. You can find verified GPs and read other families' experiences on Strove, then use these questions to confirm you've found the right fit.