Why my GP is reluctant to refer me to a PRIVATE doctor?

welshdent

There may be a private GP that can do it for you. They would charge the consultation bit most GPs I know charge to write a private referral anyway ... a bit shoddy if you ask me seeing as I never charge anyone to refer them regardless of it being private or NHS. Part of my job as far as I am concerned.

dmg24

nettttie wrote: »

I agree maybe your gp thinks it's a problem which should be dealt with in primary care, however, they can't refuse to refer you. you are entitled to request a 2nd opinion, which your gp would obviously put this in your letter

There is no obligation on an NHS GP to write a private referral.

welshdent wrote: »

There may be a private GP that can do it for you. They would charge the consultation bit most GPs I know charge to write a private referral anyway ... a bit shoddy if you ask me seeing as I never charge anyone to refer them regardless of it being private or NHS. Part of my job as far as I am concerned.

I don't know enough about dentistry contracts to comment, but it is not part of the NHS GP contract to write private referrals. Although many do so as a private service, and indeed many don't even charge for it, it is not part of their job as an NHS GP.

welshdent

Personally I think if someone has a problem that needs to be treated then the primary contact practitioner as part of their job should refer them where is a) appropriate and b) satisfactory to the patient.

"not a part of their job" is IMO a poor cop out excuse. Your duty is to the patient not your bank balance

Slinky_Malinky

I was fobbed off by my GP for years regarding my gynae problems. In the end I changed GPs, was referred to a consultant and had 2 operations witihin a few months.

If your GP cannot give a valid reason for not referring you then either see a different GP in the practice or change to another health centre.

Soubrette

Don't go giving surgeries ideas on how to make more money welshdent

My GP surgery definitely does not charge for a private referral, they will even offer a list of potential consultants as a starting point for research.

However once your referral letter is picked up then you are on your own, you make the appointment, you arrange payment with your insurance company or direct with the private hospital and you sort out any problems. If the insurance company want further documentation from the GP then you do have to pay for that.

This seems standard practice in my area.

welshdent

soubrette believe me I dont need to give them the idea they already have it!! My mum was recommended a referral which the GP said was necessary. As soon as she asked to be referred to the local private hospital they slapped a £70 referral charge on just to write a letter!

brook2jack

I gather from the original post that there is some disagreement between op and the gp about whether there is a problem. Op talked about the gp "talking nonsense to save the nhs money".

If in the gps opinion there is a problem then the patient is entitled to a nhs referral and can request a private referral they may have to pay for. The gp is rightly seen as the gateway to specialist care.

Where problems occur is where the patient believes they have a problem and the gp doesn't or where the patient wants a referral for a service or to an individual that the gp does not believe is in their best interest.

Even though it would be a private referral the gp still has to justify it. If they will not either what you are asking for cannot be clinically justified or you need to seek a more sympathetic gp.

tiddlyteri

I would just see a new doctor and just do it anyway, if you are willing to pay for treatment that is your choice and you should not have a doctor telling you otherwise
:-)

Beenie

I have PPP cover and a GP referral to a private consultant is the starting point. As the GP has to write a letter anyway, be it to the NHS consultant or (as it usually is) the same doctor but working at the private hospital, no charge is made at our surgery. In fact, our GPs always mention "You're insured aren't you?" as it saves the NHS money if I get my treatment elsewhere. Also, the mention of 'queue jumping' is a red herring as I've paid my NI conts and would be entitled to medical care in the local hospital but it eases everyone's burden and waiting time if some patients are able to make their own arrangements.