Need a good PRIVATE GP

indiepanda

FBaby wrote: »

I think the advantage of a private GP is indeed to be able to get a quicker appointment, although not all practices are bad. I never had issues with getting an appointment when I wanted it, my previous practice even allowed me to book with my GP or another online, so could pick the date and time.

In terms of access to therapy, your NHS GP can always refer you to private care if you don't feel you are getting what you want from the NHS, you don't need a private GP for that, many you can ever self-refer to (ie, CBT)

What I don't understand is the importance of finding an private GP that doesn't do any NHS work. What would be the benefit to the patient? I can't only think of negatives!

Yes, agree NHS GP can refer you onto private consultant - have done that in the past pre getting the private GP service at work. Agree totally on the point around insisting they don't do any NHS work - most doctors do both and all will have trained in the NHS. The NHS's problem is not lack of knowledge to provide care but demand for services exceeding supply.

semtal

I don't believe I stipulated private GP's couldn't also do any NHS work, or have received NHS training. Just that they have a private practice.

My experience with NHS practices is they must fall in line with NHS rules and NHS practice policies, regardless of whether they offer private services. As an NHS patient I would also have to commit to a new practice by registering first. I don't want to go through that again.

I want to try a private practice, as from what I've read here (and been told) it's easier to get an appointment, find out if you like them first and go from there.

For me this about finding a service I'm comfortable with. It has nothing to do with NHS vs private.

DomRavioli

semtal wrote: »

I don't believe I stipulated private GP's couldn't also do any NHS work, or have received NHS training. Just that they have a private practice. You did, in your original post. You stated you wanted a private ONLY GP, which is almost impossible let alone outside of London.

My experience with NHS practices is they must fall in line with NHS rules and NHS practice policies, regardless of whether they offer private services. As an NHS patient I would also have to commit to a new practice by registering first. I don't want to go through that again. Complete nonsense. I've worked in the NHS for a decade and this has never been the case at the many clinical settings I have worked at. Don't colour all because of a bad experience or two.

I want to try a private practice, as from what I've read here (and been told) it's easier to get an appointment, find out if you like them first and go from there. Then you have to compromise. 99% of GP surgeries will take private patients, there's no obligation to register as such although they need to register your details for record keeping purposes. Appointment-wise, GPs will go out of their way to accomodate private patients because they are paying for the service. You need to contact local GPs to see if they offer private services, their costings, and their appointment policy, as they are set on an individual basis.

For me this about finding a service I'm comfortable with. It has nothing to do with NHS vs private.

I completely understand that you want a service that you are comfortable; but with your location you will either have to travel to a clinic/hospital to see a private GP, or go through an NHS GP who offers private services - please see above to make sure you understand appointment processes before you register with any service.

It will be a case of compromise, a quick google search will allow you to find what you want, but it will come down to location, price and availability.

Guest101

Most GPs are private - like the vast 98%+.


Just like dentists they do NHS work, but almost none are employed by the NHS - either being self employed or being employed by their practice.

heuchera

I think the OP is looking for a private doctors practice, similar to a private dentist surgery. I'm not sure if they exist (yet). Give it time, and it might go that way.

The only private hospital I know in Eastbourne is inside the NHS hospital, which frankly is not a good hospital, hence them offering the private option to people who are willing to pay.

semtal

DomRavioli wrote: »

IComplete nonsense. I've worked in the NHS for a decade and this has never been the case at the many clinical settings I have worked at. Don't colour all because of a bad experience or two.

I've been told by several practices in my area that I HAVE to register first, so no, it isn't 'nonsense'. I've also contacted NHS England and they confirmed that I would have to move and then register first (the exception being IF the Practice Manager and/or GP agrees to see me as a temporary patient). Also, that each NHS practice (hybrid or not) must adhere to the rules set by the NHS. The way I word things might be off but that is the gist. I can only go on what I'm told.

I risk burning my bridges if I don't like the new place. I know I won't be told I can't rejoin the old practice, but I'd rather not be in that situation.

I wish NHS GP practices were like Dental practices in that you could see as many as you wanted until you found the right practice and doctor for you.

I really am stumped and searches aren't bringing up useful results.

Nicki

Semtal, if you want to see a doctor on the NHS then you need to register with their NHS practice. But seeing a doctor privately doesn't work in the same way. You don't need to be registered with a doctor on the NHS to see that doctor privately (and certainly at one point a doctor who was seeing you on the NHS could not suggest that you saw them privately).

I wonder if either you or the person giving you the advice was confused about what you were asking? If you want to shop around for an NHS GP then yes you need to deregister and register with new practices and you may not be able to go back to a former practice if their list is full. But if you want to see a private GP then it should just be a question of phoning their secretary and asking for a private appointment. NHS England (the clue is in the name) will only be able to advise you about NHS practices.

Try making a private appointment with a GP who you know does private work (not all do) and make clear when you phone that you are asking for a private appointment not an NHS one. Then discuss your concerns with the GP about not wanting to follow strict NHS policies of they are not the best line of treatment for you. Or go straight to a consultant for your condition if you are concerned. At the moment you've spent almost 4 weeks dithering around not seeing anyone and we are coming into the period when people are stopping work for Christmas soon so it's worth a try to get some peace of mind quickly.

Armchair23

I'd second Nicki's post above, many GPs don't do private work, some receptionists have no knowledge of how it works because they've never come across a private patient before.

If you're prepared to travel to Brighton this one pops up http://www.privategpbrighton.co.uk/ could be good who knows.

But please if you need medical treatment access it at any point NHS or private and make adjustments later.

I think you said you were used to the Australian system (forgive me if I'm wrong) are you frustrated and finding it hard to access and understand NHS services ?

You may have already looked at the http://www.nhs.uk/service-search
there you can see how patients rate NHS GP's maybe you could call any surgeries with good ratings and ask about private services, I know you've spoken to many surgeries so forgive me if I'm just going over old ground.

I hope you work it out and have a Happy Xmas