Why use a private GP?

What do patients need to consider?

There are a number of considerations as to why a patient may use a private GP:

How is private GP funded?

Private general practice is ‘independently’ funded as opposed to NHS general practice which is centrally funded by the government.

This means that when practicing privately, clinicians retain more flexibility in how they deliver care to patients while still adhering to the care quality standard.  

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What does this mean for patients?

It means that private GPs don’t have the same constraints as NHS GPs.

For example, they may offer longer consultations of 15 to 30 minutes and a more personalised service where you see the same named GP regularly.

Many private GPs offer same day appointments which can be booked quickly using online or phone booking.  And private GPs don't normally use a triaging service allowing patients to book directly in with them.

Will the care from private GPs be as good as NHS care?

GPs in both the NHS and private sector are required to fulfill the same training requirements in order to have a license to practice. They must be registered with the GMC and are subject to the same appraisal and revalidation process. They are also subject to the same regulatory process and compliance requirements.

Your private GP may not have access to as wide a team as they would practicing within the NHS but each team member working in the private sector may be able to offer you more time and faster and easier access to their service.

As the NHS is delivering services to an entire population some financial constraints may restrict your health choices. Although all GPs, private or NHS, must work within ethical and safety guidelines, you may be able to access some services from your private GP that are not available from the NHS.

Some private GPs have the flexibility to offer service not always available within NHS practice such as a home visiting service.