There are very few private GPs in the UK. (See the
Private Healthcare UK list of private GPs). So, when you decide to go
private, whether you have private health insurance or not, your first step is
normally to see your NHS GP. Your NHS GP will write the referral letter for
your appointment with a private doctor or specialist.
Many private doctors, consultants and specialists are
reluctant to see a patient unless there is a referral letter from the patient's
GP. You can check with your preferred consultant’s private secretary to see if
this is the case. Many private hospitals will arrange an appointment with one
of their consultants, but communication with your GP will take place during
your diagnosis and treatment.
GP referral letters are not normally required for physiotherapy,
health screening, and cosmetic surgery and dentistry.
If you do not have a GP, your local private hospital may
arrange for an appointment for you with a private GP in their outpatient
department, if you wish. Or you can find a local private GP practice or clinic.
(Search
for a private GP).
Once you have seen the GP, he/she will recommend an
appropriate specialist. Or you can tell
the GP which specialist you would like to see. (Search for a private specialist
on the GoPrivate database.)
