1. Cold, Flu and Respiratory Symptoms

Colds, influenza and other respiratory infections are among the most common reasons people visit a GP.

Consider booking an appointment when symptoms are severe, continue longer than expected or affect your normal daily activities.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Sinus pain or pressure
• Chest congestion
• Unusual tiredness
• Difficulty recovering from an infection

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, determine whether further testing may be needed and recommend suitable treatment.

2. Persistent or Unexplained Symptoms

Not every health problem has an obvious cause.

Symptoms such as recurring headaches, ongoing fatigue, dizziness, unexplained pain or changes in appetite may require a more thorough medical assessment.

A GP considers the complete picture rather than examining one symptom in isolation. This may include your medical history, current medication, lifestyle, family history and recent changes in your health.

Where necessary, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests or refer you to an appropriate specialist.

3. Chronic Condition Management

Living with a chronic condition often requires regular monitoring and consistent medical support.

Family Tree Medical Practice assists patients with the ongoing management of conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Thyroid conditions
• Asthma
• Other long-term medical conditions

Regular consultations allow your doctor to monitor your progress, review medication and identify changes that may require attention.

Seeing the same medical team over time also helps create greater continuity in your healthcare.

4. General Health Check-Ups

You do not have to wait until you feel unwell before visiting your GP.

A general health check-up can help establish a clearer picture of your current health and identify areas that may require monitoring.

Depending on your age, health history and individual risk factors, your consultation may include:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Blood sugar assessment
• Cholesterol testing
• Weight and general health evaluation
• Medication review
• Lifestyle and preventative healthcare advice

Your doctor can recommend appropriate screenings based on your individual circumstances.

5. Women’s Health Consultations

Women’s healthcare needs can change considerably throughout different stages of life.

Our doctors provide a comfortable and professional environment in which women can discuss health concerns openly.

Women’s health consultations may include:

• Menstrual health concerns
• Contraceptive advice
• Hormonal symptoms
• Menopause support
• General reproductive health
• Routine women’s health check-ups
• Referrals for additional testing or specialist care

Every consultation is approached with sensitivity, privacy and personalised attention.

6. Children’s Healthcare

Children can become unwell quickly, and their symptoms are not always easy to interpret.

A family GP can assess common childhood health concerns, monitor recovery and advise parents when further treatment may be required.

Reasons to bring your child to the doctor may include:

• Fever
• Persistent coughing
• Earache
• Sore throat
• Skin rashes
• Stomach complaints
• Unusual tiredness
• Recurring infections
• General health concerns

Having a family medical practice that knows your child’s health history can also make future consultations easier.

7. Minor Injuries and Wound Care

Some injuries require professional attention even when they do not appear serious enough for a hospital emergency department.

A GP can assess minor injuries and determine the most appropriate treatment.

These may include:

• Small cuts and wounds
• Minor burns
• Sprains and strains
• Insect bites
• Mild allergic reactions
• Wound dressing and follow-up care

Certain wounds may require cleaning, stitching or additional medical attention.

Severe bleeding, major trauma, breathing difficulties or other potentially life-threatening symptoms should always be treated as an emergency.

8. Minor Medical Procedures

Many minor medical procedures can be performed conveniently in a doctor’s consulting room.

Family Tree Medical Practice offers a range of in-room procedures, including:

• Stitching of suitable wounds
• Mole excision
• Cryotherapy for certain warts
• Ingrown toenail treatment
• Earwax removal

Your doctor will first assess the concern and explain whether an in-room procedure is appropriate.

For more information about painful or recurring toenail problems, read our guide to
ingrown nail treatment.

9. Skin Concerns

Changes to the skin can happen for many different reasons.

A GP can perform an initial assessment of concerns such as:

• Persistent rashes
• Itching or irritation
• Skin infections
• Warts
• Changing or bothersome moles
• Allergic skin reactions
• Unexplained redness or swelling

Some concerns can be treated at the practice, while others may require referral to a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.

It is particularly important to have a changing, bleeding or unusual-looking skin lesion assessed by a medical professional.

10. Diagnostic and Supportive Services

Your symptoms may sometimes require additional investigation before a diagnosis or treatment plan can be determined.

Depending on your medical needs, supportive and diagnostic services may include:

• Electrocardiograms, commonly known as ECGs
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Medical screenings
• Vitamin drips
• Iron infusions where clinically indicated

Your doctor will advise which tests or treatments are appropriate based on your consultation and medical history.

11. Medical Certificates, Repeat Prescriptions and Medication Reviews

Patients may require a GP appointment for medical documentation or the ongoing management of prescribed medication.

This may include:

• Medical certificates
• Repeat prescriptions
• Medication reviews
• Follow-up consultations
• Monitoring for possible side effects
• Adjusting treatment where appropriate

Repeat prescriptions may require a consultation, particularly when medication is being used to manage a chronic condition.

Regular reviews help your doctor confirm that your treatment remains appropriate and effective.

12. When You Are Unsure Which Doctor You Need

One of the most valuable roles of a GP is helping patients navigate the healthcare system.

You may recognise that something is wrong without knowing which type of specialist you should consult.

Your family doctor can assess the problem, arrange relevant investigations and refer you to a suitable specialist when necessary.

This can help prevent unnecessary appointments and ensure that the specialist receives useful background information about your condition.

Why Choose Family Tree Medical Practice?

Family Tree Medical Practice provides healthcare for individuals and families across different generations.

Our approach combines professional medical care with personal attention, clear communication and continuity of care.

Patients choose our medical practice for:

• Experienced and compassionate doctors
• Healthcare for adults and children
• Chronic condition management
• Women’s health consultations
• General medical care
• Minor in-room procedures
• Diagnostic and supportive services
• A welcoming, family-focused environment

Our doctors include
Dr Wilma Lotter,
Dr Louisa van der Walt
and
Dr Nadine Blignaut,
each committed to providing thoughtful and professional patient care.

Learn more about our
comprehensive medical services in Pretoria
or read our guide on
how to find a trusted doctor in Pretoria.