You may have seen various adverts online and on the tube advertising private GP appointments. However, you may be confused as to what the difference might be between private doctor appointments and NHS GP appointments.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the use of private GP services, driven by factors such as longer NHS waiting times, a desire for quicker access to medical consultations, and the convenience offered by private practices. Many appreciate the flexibility in scheduling appointments and the extended consultation times that private services often provide.
Reports have indicated that millions in the UK have sought private healthcare, including GP services, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the pressures on the NHS. Many private practices have also embraced digital consultations, making them even more accessible.
So what are the differences?
Although both private and NHS GPs offer general care, referrals, testing and health advocacy, the key differences between private GP appointments and NHS appointments are usually:
- availability
- convenience
- the length of the appointment
- the speed with which test results can be available to you
- the speed at which you can be referred to a consultant specialist for imaging such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans
Availability
One of the biggest challenges patients have faced in recent years when accessing NHS GP appointments is availability. Patients must often call first thing in the morning and hope to get through to see their GP. With private GP appointments, you should be able to call and speak to someone right away or book online at a time that suits you.
Continuity of care
With the NHS, you are registered within NHS practice, and you may see the same or different GPs depending on their availability. Most NHS services offer shared care, meaning you may see any available GP, including Locum GPs (locum GPs are“temps” who cover GP absences at different practices via a locum agency).
In private practice, you should expect to select your GP and see the same GP throughout your whole healthcare journey.
We know, especially if you have an ongoing health issue, it can be very frustrating “starting again” with different GPs each time you attend your NHS practice. It’s not ideal for your care, and the short appointment times eat into the time the GP can advise you and make a plan with you.
Speed
In private care, everything can happen faster, bringing you closer to a diagnosis and treatment quickly and without delay.
For example, on average, a woman must attend her NHS practice 10 times before being referred for endometriosis. Then she will wait around 6 months – 1 year for further investigations and see a Consultant Gynaecologist.
If you attend a private GP appointment in London, you will be immediately referred to a consultant gynaecologist privately, and you can have blood tests and ultrasounds right away. In short, starting your health journey with a private doctor appointment significantly speeds up your diagnosis and treatment.
Choice
One of the other key differences is choice. When you have a private GP appointment, you should expect to have a choice in your care, including which specialist you are referred to, what blood test you want, and what treatments you might want to proceed with. In collaboration with your GP, you will make a plan that best suits you.
Case study
Ben came to see us with stomach issues that he had been experiencing for a few years. His NHS GP diagnosed him with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and he was managing his symptoms with diet and medication. However, he was unclear what was really causing his issues and did not want to continue to live with so much restriction in his diet.
Ben had a private GP appointment with us, and it became apparent that he had not had sufficient investigations into his condition. When we conducted the right investigations, we found out that he had several specific health issues, including H. Pylori (a bacteria in the gut that can cause bloating and stomach pain, among other symptoms) and that he was intolerant to lactose (as 75% of the world are!).
As a result, having eradicated treatment of H.Pylori and removing dairy from his diet totally resolved his symptoms, and he was able to stop his medication and live a normal life.
Cost
Of course, there is a cost associated with private GP appointments. Some patients use private GP appointments to fill a gap, for example, when they cannot see their NHS GP. Some patients use private doctor services as their primary GP service. Our Clinic publishes its prices online and ensures that there are no hidden fees.
When looking online for a private GP appointment, ensure that the provider is transparent about their fees and has published them publicly. You should also ask them about hidden fees, such as prescription and referral fees.
Overall, there are significant differences between private GP appointments and NHS appointments. Private doctor appointments provide convenience, easy access to longer appointments, and testing and treatment choices. Additionally, urgent GP services offered by private practices ensure timely care for immediate medical needs.
If that sounds like something you’d like to explore, please call us today to speak to one of our friendly team or book online.
