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What is the fastest way to see a GP?

28 replies

zendeveloper · 07/02/2024 11:35

I have developed a health issue (since mid-December). Got blood tests, scans / MRI done during the visit to my home country (and "something is wrong"). I have a private health insurance with a remote GP access, but they referred back to the NHS GP, explaining this looks beyond what they could advise on as a part of the service. The NHS GP, however, have no availability for as long as their bookings are open into the future. I have it in writing now that they will contact me when they have an availability, but honestly, no indication at all of how long it is expected to take.

If I just turn up at A&E with all the paperwork (I have it with me and it is translated into English), will I be seen? Or would calling 111 and asking for a faster GP referral help? Sorry for a stupid question, I did not use the NHS much before outside of the vaccinations and checks for my children many years ago.
Or would it make more sense to go directly to a consultant privately, and ask them to guide me further / refer further through the insurance?

OP posts:
ValenciaOrange · 07/02/2024 20:05

If your policy doesn't include GP face to face you can just self pay for that bit. It's usually about £79 for a 15 minute face to face Bupa GP appointment.

Bergmum · 07/02/2024 20:15

zendeveloper · 07/02/2024 17:06

I was also surprised. This is not exactly what they said - rather that the issue needs to be seen in person, and remote is not an appropriate format for this.

I would try making another remote private GP appointment. With my insurance the remote GP can make a referral and send it straight to the insurance company for approval.
For basic blood tests the GP can do a private referral without approval from the insurance.
Do you know which speciality you need? The private GP should definitely be able to arrange a referral.

zendeveloper · 08/02/2024 22:52

Thanks all. I must have had a brain fog - I indeed just got a private self-pay GP appointment this morning, they wrote a referral and the insurance company accepted it and will send a list of consultants they cover - all done in 6 hours. Not sure why it did not occur to me before, had some sort of a mind eclipse. It is haematologist / bone marrow biopsy I need. Thank you all!

OP posts:
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