Private GP Service

What is a Private GP?

In the UK, most patients have access to free healthcare services via the NHS (National Health Service), which includes primary care services, such as appointments with a doctor. A private GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor that charges patients for appointments and other healthcare services.

How are private doctors regulated?

All doctors in the UK must be registered with the GMC (General Medical Council), who ensure doctors are qualified to work as doctors in the UK and have the necessary training and education. All private clinics who provide medical appointments or treatments in England and Wales need to be registered with CQC (Care Quality Commission) or HIW (Health Inspectorate Wales).

Why should I pay to see a private GP?

There are a number of different reasons why a patient may decide to pay to see a private GP, you could be visiting the UK from another country or another part of the UK and don’t have access to your regular GP. You could be seeking a second opinion or have been unable to get an appointment with your usual doctor within a suitable time frame. Primarily, patients choose to see a private doctor because of the flexibility our doctors can provide in terms of availability or appointment length.

Will it affect my relationship with my NHS GP if I see a GP privately?

No, it really shouldn’t. Ultimately, it is the patient’s health that GPs are most concerned with. We actively encourage you to remain registered with your NHS doctor, in most circumstances it is vital that you do. With your permission, we can also access your medical records or inform your GP of your appointment with us. However, appointments can remain as private as you choose.

How long does it usually take to get an appointment with a private GP?

You can normally see one of our private doctors on the same-day. However, it is our aim to see patients within 24 hours of an enquiry. Where possible, we will try and accommodate you with a suitable time or day of your choosing.

How long do private GP appointments last?

Different providers suggest different appointment lengths, usually between 15 – 30 mins. Generally, the price of the appointment will be reflected by the length of the appointment, with shorter appointments appearing cheaper or longer appointments being more expensive. IGP have been providing private GP appointments for over 15 years and have found that 20 mins is usually enough time. However, if you feel that you would like more time with the doctor, we can offer you 30, 40 or 60 minute appointments.

Do you provide appointments for children?

Yes, we can see children from birth.

Can you provide a chaperone with my GP appointment?

Yes, we can provide you with a chaperone during your appointment.

Can you provide an interpreter with my GP appointment?

Unfortunately, an interpreter is not something we can provide as part of our service, so we do recommend that you bring someone along with you if you think there may be language or communication difficulties during your appointment.

What is included with an appointment with a private GP?

As well as the appointment itself, if appropriate, patients will receive a private referral to a consultant or specialist and/or a private prescription. You may also receive a treatment, such as ear wax removal as part of the appointment cost.

What if I can’t make it in to the private GP clinic?

If you are unable to attend at one of our clinics, we can arrange a telephone consultation or alternatively, we can see you online using our online video application.

Online Appointments

Do I have to pay extra for a private prescription?

While the private prescription itself is included in the cost of the consultation, you will usually be charged by the pharmacy of your choice for the medicine itself. We can usually provide you with an estimate of the cost of the medicine. However, different dispensing pharmacies will charge different amounts for some medicines. You may also be charged for repeat prescriptions.

Can I get a repeat private prescription?

If you have had a prescription from us previously and it is still clinically indicated, we can provide you with a repeat prescription without having to have another appointment. When we receive your request for a repeat private prescription, we can either post this directly or supply it to your choice of pharmacy.

Can I see a private doctor to get a private consultant referral?

In some case you can self-refer to consultants in specific areas of medicine. However, in most cases a referral will be necessary. The first step in arranging an appointment with a consultant is to arrange an appointment with one of our GP's to ensure the clinical appropriateness of the referral and to the consultant you will be seeing. Following your appointment with one of our GP's we will directly contact the consultant who will then organise an appropriate and convenient appointment for you. We have a close working relationship with private specialist consultants in all areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physiotherapy and counselling.

Consultant Referrals