Can my private clinician write to my NHS GP?

Yes, with the appropriate consent and information-sharing arrangements. Ask the clinic what the letter or report will include and how it can be sent securely.

Will I always need a referral?

No. The need for a referral depends on the service, your insurer and clinical circumstances. The clinic can explain the route that applies to your chosen appointment.

What if my symptoms get worse before follow-up?

Seek urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine review if symptoms are severe, sudden or worsening. Call 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening symptoms; use NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

When will follow-up be arranged?

Follow-up depends on the service and finding. Ask at booking or review who will contact you, how results will be discussed and what to do if you have not heard as expected.

Private Prescriptions, Referrals and Follow-up

Name: Prescriptions, referrals and follow-up after your appointment
Creator: Dr George Xynopoulos

After a private appointment, I want you to know what the result or assessment means in broad terms, who is responsible for the next action and which symptoms should prompt earlier help. Follow-up may involve reassurance, monitoring, a prescription, further testing, referral, a letter to your GP or an urgent route, depending on the clinical context.

Not every appointment results in treatment, and not every abnormal result requires the same pathway. Before leaving or receiving a report, ask how follow-up will be arranged, whether information can be shared with your NHS GP and what to do if symptoms change. Exact arrangements are confirmed for your appointment and findings.

Written & reviewed by

Dr George Xynopoulos

Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763 · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763

Clinical review date: 21 August 2026

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Your follow-up checklist

Before leaving your appointment or receiving a report, check that you understand the following.

What the assessment or result means in broad terms.
Whether you need a prescription, repeat test, scan, referral or review appointment.
Who is responsible for the next action and when it should happen.
Which symptoms should prompt earlier contact or urgent help.
Whether you need information shared with your NHS GP, insurer or another clinician.

Prescriptions and medication questions

Prescription suitability depends on the consultation and relevant clinical information. Ask the prescriber how to take the medicine, what side effects or interactions matter, how long it is intended for and when it should be reviewed. Do not use this page as a substitute for individual prescribing advice, and seek urgent help for signs of a severe allergic reaction or another life-threatening emergency.

Referrals and shared care

A referral may be used to seek a specialist opinion, arrange further diagnostics or coordinate care. The clinic can explain what information is included, whether you can self-refer, whether an insurer requires a referral and what may be shared with your NHS GP with your consent. Referral, reporting and follow-up arrangements vary by pathway and are confirmed at booking or review.

Route selector Results and reporting

If you become unwell before follow-up

Do not wait for a routine review if symptoms become severe, sudden or rapidly worse. Call 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening symptoms. For urgent but non-life-threatening advice, use NHS 111 or another relevant urgent pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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Prescriptions, Referrals and Follow-up After Your Appointment