As a private GP what can I treat?

One of the biggest attractions of becoming a private GP is the autonomy to define what you can treat and how you deliver care. As a private GP, you can indeed treat a wide array of conditions, much like your NHS counterpart, but you may enjoy some additional benefits that come with operating outside the constraints often found in publicly funded healthcare settings.

Chronic Conditions and Long-Term Care

In private practice, you'll find yourself managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. What sets private GPs apart is the ability to provide longer consultations, allowing for more thorough discussions and tailored treatment plans without the ticking clock commonly felt in busy NHS settings.

Acute Illnesses

Private GPs are well-placed to tackle acute illnesses. From common colds to more serious infections, you have the flexibility to see patients more quickly. With a potentially smaller patient base, your capacity to provide same-day or next-day appointments could make a world of difference to your patients.

Preventive Health and Wellness

Preventive healthcare is gaining traction, and as a private GP, you can offer robust wellness checks, health screenings, and lifestyle advice. This includes bespoke packages for things like travel medicine, where vaccine availability can be limited in the NHS. Here, your practice can shine with comprehensive travel health advice and vaccinations.

Dr. Claire Jenkins, a private GP in London, shares, "The level of personalisation and continuity of care I can offer my patients in private practice is unparalleled. I feel like I can truly focus on the patient as an individual, rather than just dealing with their symptoms."

Mental Health Services

Mental health is another area where private GPs can truly excel. With the time to address these sensitive issues thoroughly, you can offer screening, diagnosis, and management for various mental health conditions. Your ability to provide ongoing support and a solid referral network if specialised help is needed, offers a more seamless patient experience.

While private GPs typically handle similar cases to those in the NHS, the environment permits greater individualisation of care. Furthermore, if you're using technology like EMIS Web integrated with Hero Health, your practice will benefit from efficient appointment scheduling, smooth patient records management, and excellent patient communication capabilities.

Referrals and Access to Specialists

Private GPs also facilitate referrals to specialists, a crucial aspect of comprehensive patient care. You have the liberty to refer your patients to either private specialists or NHS consultants, giving your patients options based on their preferences and insurance coverage.