Private or NHS Doctor: Which One Should You Choose?

If you have ever thought about paying a visit to a private GP, you may be wondering how the service is different from your NHS GP. Here in this blog, we discuss the differences and what you can expect when you book an appointment.

Benefits of an NHS GP

NHS GPs have recently been given a poor press, with patients complaining about difficulty in getting an appointment. But NHS GP appointments are very useful. Some of its advantages are discussed here.

• Free treatment : Every National Health Service (NHS) treatment is free at the point of use. We might pay for the NHS in taxes, but you can make appointments for yourself or your kids without incurring any expense.
• Access to other health professionals : GP practices usually consist of a team of medical staff working with a GP partnership. Depending on the practice, GP services may involve access to trained nurses, physiotherapists and blood tests. Minor surgical procedures are also conducted in some practices, so you will not need to visit a hospital.
• A local service : A GP surgery is a private firm owned by a GP partnership. It usually has only one customer – the NHS. NHS practices work on a contract with the NHS, which is managed by the local clinical commissioning group (CCG). Each CCG works in a specified area to deliver healthcare to local residents.
• Lower prescription charges : NHS prescriptions are usually cheaper than private prescriptions, which are different according to the private GP who prescribed them and the pharmacy handling fee. NHS prescriptions may be free if you are eligible. Anyone under the age of 16 (under 18 if in full-time education) or above 60 is automatically eligible, as are individuals receiving specific benefits or who are pregnant or have given birth within the last 12 months.
• Continuity of care : If you regularly visit your GP due to ongoing health problems or an illness that needs repeated checking or investigation, having the same doctor can simplify life for all concerned. Your GP can come to know you, so they don’t need to re-read your notes each time, and you won’t need to repeat your medical history at each appointment. NHS GP appointments are generally shorter than private GP appointments, so good continuity of care means you make the most of your available appointment time.
• Straightforward referrals : NHS GPs can refer you to your local NHS hospital or write a private referral letter if you have health insurance or wish to pay privately for treatment. Some private hospitals offer NHS services, so you can be treated there if you prefer. Private GP services, on the other hand, can only give a private referral.
• Self-referrals : Private medical insurance provides access to certain treatments on a direct basis, such as counselling or physiotherapy. The number of sessions is generally limited but might address minor health issues or serve as a temporary solution until further treatment becomes available.

Some NHS trusts provide self-referral services, but their availability depends on your location.

Subject to local availability, you can self-refer for:

• Treatment for drug and alcohol dependency

• Pregnancy treatment

• Mental health care

• Sexual health services

• Weight reduction

• Physiotherapy

• Podiatry

Just contact your GP to find out if you are able to self-refer. If you are registered for online services with your GP, you can look there to find out what’s on offer.

Benefits of Private GP Appointments

Private GP appointments operate by providing instant access to appointments at a convenient time.

Reduced waiting times

If you have ever had to wait for hours for a face-to-face appointment with your GP, private GP services might be a solution. Numerous providers have online or telephone appointment facilities 24/7 or face-to-face consultations during longer opening hours. The manner in which a private GP works means that they can often do same-day appointments or consult with you within 24 hours of booking. This points to reduced waiting times if you have been unable to get an appointment with your own GP.

Online accessible appointments

As discussed, lots of services provide phone appointments or video consultations on the internet with reliable private doctors in London. Sometimes this makes it more convenient to get an appointment, as you can talk to a GP in your own home. This is a perfect fix if you have mobility issues, don’t have proper access to transport, or are too unwell to go out for a face-to-face appointment. It is also super useful if you are a parent and need advice for a child. Online and telephone appointments are typically less expensive than in-person consultations, making them more favourable for financial reasons.

Longer consultations

A standard NHS appointment lasts about 10 minutes. In contrast, private GPs usually have appointments lasting about 30 minutes. Some private providers offer a range of appointment times from 15 minutes up to an hour. Longer appointments provide you with more time to elaborate on your symptoms, describe your medical history and discuss potential treatments.

Extended opening hours

Private GP practices usually have longer opening hours compared to those offered with the NHS. Most of them operate up to late evenings or even on weekends, with face-to-face appointments that work around your existing commitments.

Can I see a private GP alongside an NHS doctor?

Ys yes, you can. For instance, if you have regular NHS treatment for a chronic health issue, you can still have the advice or prescription for an acute illness from a private GP. A private GP will be able to refer you for treatment, but it is worth noting that many private GPs can only refer you for private treatment. If you don’t have private surgery or a health insurance, you will need to visit your NHS doctor for an NHS referral. But if you arrange a private GP appointment to accelerate access to tests, you can present those results to your NHS practice.

Can my private GP access my NHS medical records?

Your private GP cannot access your NHS records directly, but they can with your permission. Your NHS practice can send your records to your private GP by email, or some private GP services can access your records online using the same systems as the NHS with your permission.

Conclusion

When it comes to picking one between an NHS GP and a private GP, selection usually boils down to your preferences – whether it is free treatment, continuity of treatment, or rapid and flexible access to appointments. Whereas NHS GPs deliver top-class long-term care at affordable rates, private GPs deliver convenience, extended consultations and reduced waiting times. Many may find the best option to be a balance – using the NHS for ongoing care and seeking private GPs for speedy assistance when necessary.