Dr Suraj Kukadia, a GP known as Dr Sooj on TikTok, has shared the key question he asks patients: whether they have Googled their symptoms. He explained that this helps him understand their worries and tailor his diagnosis.
Why GPs Ask About Google Searches
In a TikTok video, Dr Kukadia responded to a commenter by revealing his approach. He said: "As part of my history taking, I do ask my patients sometimes have you googled your symptoms? Is there anything that you're worried about?" This allows him to address both his medical concerns and the patient's fears, ensuring they feel heard.
He added: "If I don't ask questions like, what do you think is going on, what are you worried about, what are you hoping that we do, then what if my agenda ... is completely different to what they're worried about? Then they don't feel heard, and they think I've dismissed their symptoms."
Balancing Patient Concerns with Medical Expertise
Although Dr Kukadia advises against Googling symptoms, he acknowledges that many patients do it. He said: "Even though you may not Google your symptoms, great. A lot of my patients do, and a lot of patients in general will Google their symptoms, so I have to incorporate that into my history taking."
In a separate video, he addressed why GPs sometimes ask questions already in medical notes, calling it "frustrating" for patients. He explained that standard 10-minute appointments leave little time to review files, giving only about six or seven minutes per patient. He said: "When a doctor asks you something that's already in your record, it's not because they don't care. It's usually because they haven't had time to read through everything, or they want to hear it from you in your own words."
The Pressure on GPs
Dr Kukadia highlighted the strain on the healthcare system, noting that under such pressure, it's not always possible to review every patient's backstory before a consultation. He said: "I think it's a fair question to ask, especially if your GP doesn't know you well. But I also think it's fair to explain that most of us wish we had more time to spend with you."
