Symptom Checker for General Practice SHORTCUT ivy.gs/symptoms
The address of this page is ivy.gs/symptoms
On this page Click to find out more
WHAT IS THIS PAGE FOR?
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This page lists symptoms and conditions and tells you who you need to contact first.
Contacting the right service first time is important so that you can get the most appropriate and timely help for your condition.
Almost all of the services shown accept self-referral without needing to see a GP first.
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HOW DO I USE THIS PAGE?
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You can read the disclaimer or the blurb if you wish, or get straight in.
Use the search function to find what you are looking for.
Once you find your condition, click the coloured lozenge next to the condition to find information on what local service you need (examples shown below).
Minor Injuries Unit Counselling
A red flag 
means your symptom or condition may be more serious - seek advice soon.
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USING THIS PAGE DURING COVID
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The usual advice regarding medical emergencies still applies i.e., ring 999 if you have a suspected stroke, suspected heart attack, suspected meningitis, uncontrolled bleeding etc.
If the symptom checker directs you to come and see us, please note that all face-to-face contact at the GP surgery is suspended.
Likewise, routine appointments and referrals in other NHS organisations are on hold, so if the symptom checker directs you to another organisation, you are advised to call them first to see what arrangements they have about assessing you.
We recommend that you DO NOT attend any NHS organisation unannounced and without calling first, unless you have been advised to. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
Of course, you may still ring us if absolutely necessary or if your symptom/condition is indicated with a red flag, e.g., as in suspected cancer.
We strongly encourage use of online self-care and help services during this very difficult time for everyone.
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On other pages These may navigate away from the page
NEED A GP? PLEASE USE ECONSULT
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Access to a GP is now via the eConsult online consultation service. This involves completing a simple online form to get advice and treatment from us.
If you need help from us, or want to find out more, please go to our eConsult page or type the shortcut ivy.gs/econsult.
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LOW MOOD, ANXIETY OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES?
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There has been a huge increase in numbers of patients whose mental health and wellbeing have been affected due to the current situation.
We urge anyone affected during these extremely difficult times to please visit the dedicated section we have set up on mental health resources and support or type ivy.gs/covid-mentalhealth.
You can also download our information leaflet on self-help, counselling and other support, including what to do in a crisis.
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HOW WE'RE WORKING DURING COVID
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Visit our General Practice 2.0 page for detailed information on how we are managing your specific conditions during the coronavirus pandemic or type ivy.gs/gp2.
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DISCLAIMER HIDE
The following is an alphabetical list of symptoms and conditions commonly encountered in General Practice, along with an appropriate first port of call. It is provided only as a simple aid to help patients find the right care.
All patients are advised to read the important warning in the blue box below. If you are at all unsure about your diagnosis or condition or if the patient is very young, very old or very unwell, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or call NHS 111 for further advice.
Please note, the aim of this page is to help patients choose the correct service in the first place, in order to best treat their condition, however, on presenting yourself to a particular service, if it becomes apparent that you require another service, due to the nature of your condition or combination of symptoms, you will always be directed to the most appropriate service.
This page or the links to appropriate sources of help provided on subsequent pages are not considered to be a computer program, nor do the pages contain instructions or subroutines that have been programmed to generate particular outcomes depending on response or user input, and are therefore not classified as a medical device under revised Medical Device Directive 2007/47 EC. For the avoidance of all doubt, these pages are not intended to be used specifically for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
The information on this page has been compiled using current referral criteria and accepted practice from various sources. It is considered correct at the time of writing (January 2015), but will be subject to continuous review. Please read the warnings above.
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What is this symptom checker?
Hover over each statement for an explanation
It is an alphabetical list of symptoms, problems and conditions This page does not make any diagnosis or recommend any particular therapy
It tells you who you can turn to based on what symptom you think you have Based on your symptom, it will tell you who to contact first
This page does not replace the advice of a dedicated health professional This page does not give comprehensive advice
You can use this symptom checker if:
Hover over each statement for an explanation
You have a fair idea what your symptom or problem might be You know what problem you have and can identify it in the page below
You are capable of seeking appropriate help You have no problem ringing round or travelling elsewhere for help
You are happy to follow simple advice You can follow advice and are happy to be redirected to another service if your symptom suggests you need another professional
This symptom checker may be unsuitable to use if:
Hover over each statement for an explanation
You are not sure what is wrong with you or what your symptom is called Contact your doctor, pharmacist or call NHS 111 for further advice
The patient is very young, e.g., baby less than 3 months old Contact your doctor or call NHS 111 for further advice
The patient is very old or confused Contact your doctor or call NHS 111 for further advice
How do I use this symptom checker?
Hover over each statement for an explanation
Scroll down the page to see the list of A-Z symptoms or use the search function Check the rest of this page for more
To use the search function, see immediately below If you don't want to find your symptom manually enter it into the search field below and click 'search'
means your symptom may be more serious - seek advice soon You should always seek help from the appropriate service at the earliest opportunity
Where else can I get help?
Hover over each statement for an explanation
Get help by self-referring yourself to the right professional Visit our help page
Access lots of resources so that you can be more self-care aware Visit our self-care page
Get contact details of other professionals who can help you Visit our contacts page
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© Dr Michael Wong 2021