The NHS is currently seeing enormous wait times for almost all types of services. GP appointments in particular have been severely affected, with patients often having to wait several weeks to see their general practitioner.
It is for this reason that more and more people are beginning to go down the private healthcare route. However, for those unfamiliar with the process it can be difficult to know what is involved. We’ve put together a guide that will let you know what to expect from your private GP appointment. Check it out below.
Booking An Appointment
Booking an appointment to see a private GP in London can be done over the phone or increasingly through digital online services. One of the major benefits of private healthcare is that you will avoid long wait times, you will often be given an appointment on the same day you make the booking.
If you are unable to make it to the clinic, many private health centres offer virtual appointments that you can attend via your computer or mobile device remotely.
Your First Private Appointment
The first private appointment you attend will be a general consultation, during which time your GP will assess your overall health and medical history before addressing any issues you are currently experiencing.
Private healthcare services work in conjunction with the NHS. This will give your new GP the chance to assess and evaluate your medical history, which is crucial for the diagnostic process and for creating any treatment plans.
You will not be required to bring any medical records or documentation with you, but you will be asked to consent to the clinic accessing your NHS records and you will have to complete a questionnaire, so make sure you are prepared for this.
How Much Will A Private GP Cost?
Many people will assume that private healthcare is prohibitively expensive and out of their price range. However, attending a private GP appointment can be more affordable than you might expect, with the cost calculated using a number of different factors.
Your appointment can be self-funded, or it can be covered by private healthcare insurance. For self-payment options, you can make use of a finance scheme to avoid paying your bill all at once. These schemes are often all-inclusive, which means you won’t be hit with any additional or hidden costs for treatments, medicines, or procedures.
Your Appointment Will Be Longer
Appointments with NHS GPs can often feel very short. GPs often have long lists of patients to see over the course of a day, so it’s crucial that their appointments are as brief as possible without impacting the quality of care.
However, this can leave patients feeling unsatisfied or even brushed off, and patients can often forget to ask important questions during these brief meetings. An appointment with a private GP will be longer than you’d see on the NHS, with your practitioner able to take their time and provide you with the best possible service.
Conclusion
Don’t be discouraged by the thought of seeing a private GP. Follow this guide so that you know what to expect.
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