Seeing a private GP can offer numerous benefits compared to relying solely on NHS services. With more appointment availability, longer consultations, and access to faster referrals, tests and treatment, many patients find it advantageous to pay for private medical care. However, it comes at a cost - so is it really worth it?

What is a private GP?

A private GP, also known as a private family doctor, offers medical services outside the NHS. This means you pay directly for consultations, tests and treatments, rather than getting them free at the point of use through the NHS.

Private GPs tend to offer quicker access to appointments at the patient's convenience. Appointments are typically 20 to 30 minutes, allowing more time to discuss concerns in depth. Private GPs also have the ability to refer patients to see private consultants and specialists more rapidly than through the NHS.

Benefits of seeing a private GP

There are several potential benefits to seeing a private GP rather than relying solely on NHS services:

  • Quicker access to appointments - Private GPs can usually offer appointments within a few days or even the same day if medically necessary, compared to waits of 1-2 weeks or more with NHS GPs. This enables faster initial assessments.

  • Longer consultation times - Appointments with private GPs typically last 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer for complex issues. This allows a thorough review of symptoms and concerns compared to the average 9 minute NHS GP appointment.

  • Continuity of care - Patients tend to see the same private GP at each appointment, enabling better continuity of care. NHS GPs vary depending on availability.

  • Access to consultants - Private GPs can refer patients to private consultants, avoiding long NHS waiting lists. Referrals to tests and investigations are also quicker.

  • Range of services - Many private GPs offer services like minor surgery, joint injections, blood tests, health screening and travel health on site. Some also provide complementary therapies.

  • Convenient locations - Private GP clinics are often based in more convenient, accessible locations compared to NHS surgeries. Many offer evening and weekend appointments.

  • Comfortable environments - Private GP clinics typically provide more comfortable, relaxed settings. Some feel this allows better disclosure of symptoms and concerns.

When is it worth seeing a private GP?

Seeing a private GP can be particularly beneficial in certain situations:

  • If you need quick access to a doctor for an urgent or worrying health concern

  • For long-term condition management if you want more time to discuss your health

  • When you need faster referrals for investigations, specialist treatment or surgery

  • If you want a second opinion about an undiagnosed condition or complex diagnosis

  • For more immediate treatment of musculoskeletal problems like joint injections

  • If you find it difficult to take time off work for medical appointments

  • When you are dissatisfied with the service from your NHS GP surgery

  • If you desire greater privacy and confidentiality regarding health matters

Many patients also choose to see a private GP for general health screening and preventative medicine. This includes checks ups, blood tests, monitoring of risk factors and early detection of issues like high cholesterol.

What does it cost to see a private GP?

The cost of consulting a private GP varies between clinics but is typically £150-£250 for an appointment in the UK. Here are some examples of standard private GP fees:

  • Initial consultation (30 mins) - £150-£200

  • Follow up consultation (20 mins) - £100-£150

  • Extended consultation (45+ mins) - £180-£250

  • Home visit - £200-£300

  • Blood test - £50-150

  • Vaccinations - £75-£200

  • Minor surgery (moles, cysts) - £150-£500

There may be additional charges for some services like imaging, diagnostics and specialist referrals. However, some clinics offer inclusive wellness plans that cover a set number of appointments, tests etc for a fixed monthly fee.

It's important to confirm exact charges before booking appointments to avoid surprise costs.

Is it cheaper than going private for specialist treatment?

Seeing a private GP requires paying their appointment fees. However, it opens up access to private consultant referrals and treatments that can save money overall compared to going direct to specialists.

NHS referral routes involve seeing an NHS GP, being placed on waiting lists, and eventually accessing NHS specialists. The alternative private route can be cheaper, for example:

  • Private GP appointment - £150-£250

  • Specialist referral - £200-£400

  • Consultant appointment - £150-£350

Whereas accessing that specialist via the NHS may take many months and incur greater costs overall if symptoms worsen.

So using a private GP as a gateway to private healthcare can increase affordability and access. It's worth comparing options.

What are the downsides of private GPs?

There are a few potential disadvantages to weigh up when considering private GP services:

  • Cost - The obvious downside is the fee per appointment. For regular or complex health needs, costs can add up.

  • Limited wider care - Private GPs don't have direct links to hospitals or other services like NHS GPs. Referrals are needed to access additional care.

  • No access to NHS prescriptions - Medications must be paid for privately, which may be expensive long-term. Some private GPs can prescribe under the NHS.

  • Records aren't integrated - NHS and private health records are kept separate. Information sharing relies on the individual.

  • Risk of over-treatment - Some argue the private sector promotes over-investigation and excess treatment compared to the NHS.

  • Impact on NHS - Increased private sector use may reduce availability of NHS services. But this effect seems small currently.

So there are certainly pros and cons to weigh up from a medical and financial perspective.

Is private GP care regulated?

Care from private doctors in the UK is regulated, meaning standards must be upheld.

Private GPs must be fully qualified and licensed by the General Medical Council, just like NHS GPs. They are typically experienced NHS GPs who also work privately.

Private clinics must be registered and meet standards monitored by the Care Quality Commission. Staff training, safety procedures, confidentiality, cleanliness, record keeping and equipment must meet strict criteria.

However, some argue more oversight is needed as problems can still arise on occasion. But major scandals seem rare compared to other private healthcare services.

Questions to ask a private GP

When choosing a private GP, asking important questions can help determine if they offer the care and value you need. Consider asking:

  • Are you experienced in dealing with my health condition(s)?

  • What are your consultation/appointment fees?

  • What additional costs might there be for tests, imaging, drugs etc?

  • Can you prescribe NHS medications if needed?

  • How quickly could you refer me to specialists if required?

  • Do you have direct contact with local private hospitals?

  • Can I contact you for telephone/video consultations?

  • Will I see you directly or other doctors in the practice?

  • How will you share details with my NHS GP?

  • Are there any membership packages to reduce fees?

Finding a private GP

If you decide a private GP is worth investigating further, there are a few ways to find a suitable local service:

  • Search online directories like Private Healthcare UK and Private Healthcare

  • Check listings on the Independent Doctors Federation website

  • Use the NHS Choices private GP finder

  • Look on private hospital and clinic websites

  • Ask for recommendations from friends, family or colleagues

  • Approach insurance providers for suggested names on their lists

  • Check reviews on Google and sites like Trustpilot

Or you can contact a local private GP such as drarunghosh.co.uk to find out more.

Weighing up the pros and cons

Deciding if private GP services are worth the investment depends on your individual healthcare needs and priorities.

For those wanting urgent access, more time and continuity with a doctor, private GPs can certainly be worth considering. This is especially true when faster diagnosis and treatment are desirable to address worrying symptoms or existing conditions.

However, for more routine healthcare or when costs are very constrained, NHS GP services may be adequate or preferable. The choice ultimately comes down to your own requirements. But having access to a private GP alongside NHS care provides helpful flexibility for many patients.