I’d like to visit my GP just for a general check-up but the receptionist told me to call back when I had a genuine complaint. Don’t doctors do check-ups or is mine just particularly unhelpful?
Paul West, Birmingham

I’m very surprised and disappointed to hear this. Doctors are normally happy to offer general check-ups, particularly for men, who tend not to see their GPs as often as they should. Conditions that may not have symptoms, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can be identified during a check-up. Crucially, asking for a general check-up is often what men do when they do have a problem but are too embarrassed to say so.

Ring back and simply ask for an appointment – you don’t have to tell the receptionist what it’s for – or ask to speak with the doctor over the phone so you can ask him or her directly.