You can use private care alongside NHS care, but the two routes have separate funding, responsibilities and processes. A private GP can help you consider options; they cannot guarantee what another service, insurer, pharmacy or NHS practice will provide.[1]
What a private GP appointment may involve
Your clinician should tailor the appointment to the reason for your visit. They may ask about your symptoms, medical history, medicines, allergies and priorities, and may examine you where appropriate. The next step should reflect the clinical question rather than a fixed test package.
Consultation and assessment
A private GP appointment can give you a space to discuss symptoms, medical history, medicines and concerns. A clinician may examine you where appropriate and discuss a safe next step.
Tests
A clinician may discuss whether a test would help answer the clinical question. Test selection, preparation, availability, reporting and follow-up need confirmation for your individual situation.
Prescriptions
A clinician considers medicines only after assessing your health and the clinical need. Pharmacy charges, monitoring and repeat arrangements can vary.
Referrals
A clinician may discuss referral to a specialist when appropriate. Some services accept self-referral; others have their own referral, funding or clinical requirements.
Information sharing
You can discuss whether relevant information should be shared with another healthcare professional. Consent is normally the basis for sharing information for your care.
Follow-up
The next step may be self-care advice, review, testing, a referral or urgent NHS care. A private appointment does not replace an emergency assessment.
How private and NHS care can work alongside each other
You do not need to give up NHS care to seek private healthcare. BMA guidance notes that private and NHS care should remain clear about who funds and takes responsibility for each element of care.[1]
Your NHS GP or other NHS service must make its own decision about whether a test, prescription, referral or follow-up is appropriate within its care. A private recommendation does not create an automatic obligation for another provider.[1]
Ask before you book how relevant records or results could be shared. GMC guidance says that consent is normally the basis for sharing information for your direct care, and that you should understand how your information will be used.[2]
Questions to ask before you book
Which appointment route fits my concern, and is it suitable for a private GP appointment?
Do I need a referral, or could a specialist service have its own requirements?
If testing may be discussed, what preparation, reporting and follow-up arrangements apply?
What are the consultation, test, prescription or referral costs, and what might be separate?
How can I share relevant information with my NHS GP or another clinician if I choose to do so?
Booking information
The clinic confirms the appropriate appointment route, suitability, any referral requirements, availability, preparation, reporting and follow-up at booking. For current self-pay information, see Pricing.
Related information
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a private GP and keep my NHS GP?
Yes. BMA guidance notes that a person may pay for additional private healthcare while continuing to receive NHS care. Private and NHS care should remain clear about funding and responsibility.
Can a private GP arrange NHS care?
A private clinician can discuss referral options. NHS services and GP practices make their own decisions about accepting a referral, tests, prescriptions or follow-up, based on clinical need and their local processes.
Can a private GP prescribe medicine?
A clinician may consider a prescription when it is clinically appropriate. The medicine, costs, pharmacy route, monitoring and follow-up need discussion in the context of your health.
Will my NHS GP automatically receive my private records?
Do not assume this. Ask how information sharing would work. GMC guidance explains that consent is normally the basis for sharing information for a patient’s direct care.
Do I need a referral to book?
The clinic confirms the appropriate appointment route, suitability, any referral requirements, availability, preparation, reporting and follow-up at booking.
Can I use a private GP for an emergency?
No. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. Use NHS 111 if you need urgent medical help and are unsure where to go. A private GP appointment is not an emergency service.