As a private GP, can I make NHS referrals?

As a private GP considering how to best support your patients' healthcare needs, one question that often arises is about making referrals to the NHS. The good news is, yes, you can indeed make NHS referrals in your capacity as a private practitioner.

Referring Your Patients to NHS Services

The British Medical Association clarifies that private GPs have the freedom to refer patients to NHS services just as NHS GPs can refer to private services. This means that the patient’s journey through healthcare can be more fluid, ensuring they always receive the necessary support, regardless of the sector they're currently engaged with.

Acute and Cancer Referrals

When it comes to acute care, private GPs can direct patients to NHS services like A&E. It’s a seamless process that prioritises the patient’s immediate needs. Similarly, you can carry out two-week wait cancer referrals, which are imperative for fast-tracking potential cancer patients to receive timely investigations and interventions.

One private GP shared, "I had a patient who needed immediate attention due to acute abdominal pain. Referring them directly to the A&E department ensured they received the urgent care required without delay."

Complex Pathways for Regular Referrals

For routine or non-urgent referrals, the landscape is a bit more complex. These pathways are not as well-defined compared to acute care. In many cases, it may be advantageous for the NHS GP, who manages the patient's ongoing care, to handle these referrals. However, using platforms like EMIS Web can bolster communication and referral structures, thanks to its robust patient record capabilities.

Optimising Patient Pathways with Technology

Utilising systems like EMIS Web can greatly enhance your practice’s ability to make effective referrals. With comprehensive documentation and clinical decision support, it ensures each patient’s pathway is well-considered and aligned with their health needs. Paired with the patient engagement platform Hero Health, which facilitates smooth communication and management of appointments and billing, you can optimise your practice’s efficiency and responsiveness.

By actively managing patient referrals and harnessing the right technology, you as a private GP can ensure your patients benefit from the best care options available, traversing seamlessly between private and NHS services when necessary.