Is private GP worth it?

[LouS84]

Looking for advice please… DH has needed a GP appointment for a while but has got fed up with trying to get an appointment. Has anyone got experience of private GP services? Are they mostly online? Do you think they’re worth the cost? Thanks

I have Benedon Health through work and it is brilliant . Usually a GP appointment within 2 hours . Prescriptions , for notes all included .

I've used two different private GP services. I booked one at a private hospital that was in person - it was expensive but excellent. I got an appointment within a week, at a time of my choice. Went straight in as soon as I got there, had 30 mins with the doctor who was extremely attentive and lovely.

I also had a phone appointment with a private GP service I have through work. Also excellent - I called them at 6pm on a bank holiday and they offered me an appointment for 9pm that evening or 9am the next day. Doctor called on time, and talked to me for 15 mins. Unfortunately she couldn't do much to help me without me being seen in person due to the medical issue I called about, but it was still reassuring to speak to a GP about it.

So overall my experience has been very positive. If you can afford it, do it. They can write you a prescription, and even refer you back to NHS for treatment if you don't want private treatment.

@Daffodilsdance Ive got benenden cover as well which is really good but I e never used the GP services. How does it work? Is it a private prescription they give you? I take it any regular medication would have to go back to your own GP?

Yes they are brilliant and actually take time to speak to you and listen!

Seen a fantastic one at the London Clinic a few times. Really listens, speaks to you like a human with a brain, and is not stupidly stingy about prescribing any medication that would really help but costs more than tuppence - eg antivirals for shingles when the NHS GP cut up rough as though they cost thousands, antibiotics for a tick bite without quibbling over no bullseye rash (yet). Marvellous service.

Hi , sorry for the late reply .
They have a number you call , a person takes your details and makes an appointment on the spot. The GP then calls you back within 30 mins of the appointment time . Yes they can do repeats and they contact your GP if they start you on something new .

Yes. Absolutely worth every penny.

My SIL uses one. She raves about them but she is a known hypochondriac. I do think they are a good idea though for people who go to their GP more than the average.

100% worth it.

We always used private GPS when we were working in the office, as travelling back home during the working day was not a good option.

We always managed to get a same-day appointment, it was a far more pleasant environment than the local surgery, and the quality of care was at least as high as we received on the NHS.

We pay £80 for a 15 minute consultation.

If you see a private GP do they have access to your records from your NHS doc . Unfortunately the nearest private GP to me is about 12 miles away!