AIBU to not be registered with a GP?

[JSachs]

Firstly, I am not a UK or EU citizen.

I am here on a contract to work for a couple of years and then will see where things go from there.

I am not registered with an NHS GP for various reasons that I won't get into.

I have only one concern that I hope someone will be able to clarify for me-

What happens if I fall sick and can't go to work? Is it only an NHS GP who can provide a sick note or fit to work certificate? Or can private doctors also do that?

I don't have any concerns about getting treatment when I am sick as I can afford private care. I am only concerned about the employment aspect- is there like a legal requirement for people to be registered with an NHS surgery?

I work with people from all over the world and I know in some cultures it is "the done thing" to pay for private healthcare and even fly thousands of miles home to go to a dentists and this belief/idea also extends to paying for private schooling for their children.

One woman I work with was really skinting herself out paying for private schooling until another colleague took her to see a state school her kids went to and she moved her child there. There is a school of thought that because you pay for something, you are getting a better service but as we all know, it's not always the case. There are state schools near me with better ofstead results than the private one and our health centre have looks after generations or my family of over 60 years. The moral of the story, don't knock it till you've tried it.

I know many who never register. Some of them are British. If you are young and fit, registering is last thing in your mind. And i would think you are much more likely to get a private appointment than the NHS. I used to have BUPA insurance and colleagues always go private first. It is faster for things like phsyio.

My dh is an NHS GP in Scotland but happy to see overseas patients privately if required. There's a recommended set of charges (I think). Extra for letters/notes/prescriptions and you would probably have to pay cost price for medications (no prescription charge in Scotland)

I'm not registered with an nhs gp and not are my dc.

We see a private gp when we need to (never often, thank goodness). Is never been a prob, even during pregnancy etc (I had then in the nhs).

I'm a uk citizen, I've just never had good experiences with nhs gps. I know that if my baby fell ill this afternoon I could see a private gp within an hour.

To answer the question in your title - YABU. I can't think of any downside of registering with a GP and there are loads of upsides.

I have said nothing against the NHS. I am not bashing the NHS at all, although even if I was it would be be my personal opinion to do that.

I have various reasons for not registering with an NHS GP that I prefer not to get into, mainly because they are irrelevant to the point.

My question was if I could get a sick note from a private GP and the response seems to indicate that I can.

If there are any exceptions to this or if there is anything further that I need to know about the process then I would appreciate anyone telling me.

But I don't think the point of this thread was for people to get all sensitive about the NHS, or to turn it into one of those endless NHS v/s private debates or to try and convince me to register with an NHS GP.

Op, are you from the us?

You are very fortunate to have healthy children Edie

Unfortunately, without the NHS we would have lost DD. She has had some long term health issues that we wouldn't have been able to fund privately.

I was going to ask exactly the same thing Insancerre.

Many Americans seem to have odd beliefs about the NHS.

What odd beliefs have I expressed about the NHS?!?!?! I have said nothing for or against them.

I am only asking if I can get a sick note from a private GP if I am off sick from work.

How does this mean I hate the NHS?

And no, I am not American.

This is turning into a ridiculous thread.

I don't understand why people have to be so sensitive and judgemental. Even if someone does prefer private care, why does that mean you have to attack them and convince them otherwise?

"I have various reasons for not registering with an NHS GP that I prefer not to get into, mainly because they are irrelevant to the point....But I don't think the point of this thread was for people to get all sensitive about the NHS, or to turn it into one of those endless NHS v/s private debates or to try and convince me to register with an NHS GP..."

Unfortunately a statement like that is bound to excite people's curiosity, and more often than not, result in incorrect assumptions.

Fine, you can be curious. But unless you know the full story refrain from attacking me and being judgemental.

Most Gps are private they hire their services to the NHS, as do dentists and most other registered health professionals who work under the NHS banner, In fact by stealth there are many "NHS" services in hospitals work under the NHS brand.

Nearly all private doctors work for the NHS as their primary job.

I have worked in the NHS and Private as well as being a patient in both, private worry about what you can see , so private room doilies on you dinner tray, but only 1 oxygen and suction for an entire floor.

Also if you have a less than uncomplicated recovery you will get transferred to an NHS hospital as private rarely do emergency treatments, many big private hospitals will have an ICU for instance but this is just for extended recovery from surgery not life threatening complications.

my grandad had his prostate done in a private hospital, got a wound infection which did not respond to the antibiotics given to him and he found himself in a private ambulance being taken round the corner to the NHS hospital where he was booked into A and E and then just left with all his belongings, no nurse to hand him over to staff just left.

So you don't have to register big if you are ill or in an accident then you will need the NHS.

Yes many employers will accept private fit notes, and a GP who works for the NHS will be happy to do this for you.

Yes you can get a for note from a private gp. I'm confused as to why you wouldn't want to register with an NHS gp too. I can't think of a circumstance where you wouldn't? Can you give us a clue?

And you see no need for travel insurance?

If you are hurt tomorrow in any accident, the NHS will help you but you may be liable for a big bill without insurance.

You can not see into the future. You don't know what will happen. Aren't you lucky to be staying in a country which will care for you despite your refusal to take out insurance.

Oh, and y you don't need to be registered with a gp to access emergency services, though it makes it easier in terms of access to any relevant medical info.

If you are a resident of the UK then you don't have to pay for NHS treatment. www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

If I promise not to criticise will you pm me with your reasons for not wanting to register with NHS? I'm a researcher in public health (and an immigrant) so am professionally interested in who we miss.

I am actually finding this angry reaction quite funny

Why do you care if I register with the NHS or not? And why are my reasons so important to anybody?

It was a simple question- can I get a sick note from a private GP and will it be accepted?

I find it both puzzling and amusing as to why people are so offended by a temporary resident's refusal to register with an NHS GP.

The reasons are not important and try not to take it personally- I have said nothing against your NHS.

nigerdelta- certainly, will PM you soon

I'm not at all offended, just curious.

you are not offended, but many people are.

Rather odd.

bunbaker just because I don't have an nhs gp doesn't mean I don't use the nhs!

The nhs saved ds life after a trip to a and e where a problem was found and he had an op.......not being registered with an nhs gp doesn't mean anything in terms of using other nhs services. I had my dc on the nhs, no one cared my gp was private.

I just prefer a private GP (I also have private health cover, so could be referred v easily for private care if it's something it covers).

op I've had a sick note from a private gp a few times over the years. Work was fine with it.