Private GP Services

[Jo19899]

I am so fed up with the stress of trying to get a GP appointment, I am considering signing up to a private GP service (£19.99 a month) which includes 3 appointments without further charge.

Does anyone have any experiences with these good/bad and how they tie in with NHS GP, for instance are the notes and records shared? or do they try and sell you additional services.

I've used a private GP before as my old NHS GP was terrible. There was definitely value in having a longer appointment and I felt very much listened to and understood. Some of the downsides are the associated costs - so any medication will need a private prescription and, depending on the drug, that can be expensive. If you need a referral, it's also within the private sector so they can't get you on an NHS list. Mine didn't connect at all with my NHS GP and none of the details are on my medical records.

Go for it. Don't worry about cost. It's better to be healthy and broke than sick and wealthy.

I've got an appointment with a private GP tomorrow. I really need someone who will take time to listen. I know the doctor I'm seeing as she used to be in the practice I am registered with and I know she is excellent. I can afford it and am happy to pay if she can get to the bottom of my ailments.

Yes and it has been worth every penny.

The downsides are you get private prescriptions so you have to pay the market rate for any drugs you may need. In the plus side my recent antibiotics were cheaper than the NHS prescription charge. As a general rule they are more expensive though.

They also cannot refer you to NHS services so it’s recommended you keep your regular GP too. They send them letters summarising your appointments.

I found that when I eventually got a regular GP appointment they were just referring me to a consultant. I have private healthcare so I was ending up seeing private consultants anyway.

The positives are if you need blood tests, scans etc they can sometimes be done there and then (extra cost) or you can book in for another appointment pretty much the next day. I have found it to be a much more seamless process but would definitely not be worth it for more complex issues without having private healthcare or deep pockets!!

You can put private stuff on NHS record

You can be seen privately & get referred to NHS

I recommend vista health

My experience with private GPs have been excellent and well worth the money. Much more personal attention on home visits and video consultations have also been very efficient and professional. Would certainly recommend Say GP (www.say-gp.com). Reasonable prices compared to the others & female GP had a lovely caring empathetic approach. Would definitely use her again.

We use Babylon online with BUPA insurance. Great for quick things needed, or physio referrals etc

Thanks for all your advice. I signed up this morning with a private GP service so at least I can see a GP face to face now when convenient.