In the UK we are fortunate to have access to NHS healthcare; free at the point of delivery, based on needs not ability to pay, and available to all who may require it. However, many people also access the private sector for healthcare and with that draw on the benefits of seeing a private GP, this may well be the case for patients unable to access the NHS.
Speed of Access
One advantage of seeing a private GP is that they are readily available at a time that is convenient to you and offer a shorter waiting time. Most private GPs offer same day appointments and you should expect to be seen within hours of requesting an appointment, not days. Most private GP’s will see their patients on time, and time spent in the waiting room is significantly shorter then when seeing an NHS GP.
Longer Consultations
A private appointment means there is more time for your consultation. You can bring several symptoms or problems to the attention of your GP, rather than just the one problem as is often the case in NHS General Practice. Most private GPs will offer a consultation time of around 30 minutes or even an hour. In this time you are given plenty of time to discuss your concerns, be clinically examined, be investigated thoroughly and referred to a specialist if required. You can expect a full medical examination and a detailed discussion about your family as well as personal medical history in order to fully assess your condition or any risk factor. This is done in an organised, efficient and timely manner. Therefore, your condition will be treated much more quickly, effectively and appropriately.
Flexibility
There tends to be more flexibility in private general practices, offering extended appointment times to provide their patients with ease of access. This may include early morning, lunchtime, evening or even weekend appointments. The London General Practice offer a 24 hour service. With doctors on call covering every hour of the day including Christmas and Bank Holidays visiting you at home, place of work or hotel.
Personalised Bespoke Treatment
There is normally greater choice in selecting a private GP with patients being able to choose who they wish to see. Patients may have the choice of GPs at a practice and can choose who they prefer to see. This may be for personal reasons or they may prefer a male or female doctor. Similarly, if desired, in the private sector you are more likely to be able to see the same Doctor each time you visit, enhancing the personal experience and quality of care.
Efficiency
Private GPs tend to have access to very best diagnostics, specialists and consultants. Referrals are fast and much quicker. The turnaround time for test results is also quick with blood tests being returned on the same day. For example, we aim to receive results of urgent diagnostic scans on the same day. This means that if you see a private GP in the morning you can expect to have a full examination and the answers to any blood tests or diagnostics by the afternoon, meaning that any concerns are rapidly addressed.
Visits
Private GPs provide house visits coming to you if required. A private GP can see you in your own surroundings and in the comfort of your own home, work or hotel at a time to suit you, for example, after work or at the weekend. Private GPs also offer a one stop shop where patients can access additional services such as travel vaccinations, blood tests and health screens.
Private GPs offer extensive health screening including cardiovascular health screening, screening for cancer, well woman and well man screening.
Article by Dr Angela Rai. The London General Practice was founded by Dr Paul Ettlinger, one of London’s most respected and well established private doctors. The Practice is based on Harley Street, London and provides UK-based and international patients with a comprehensive range of excellent private healthcare. We pride ourselves on the flexible, personal care we provide to our patients, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Practice consults for many private families, leading insurers, the entertainment industry, numerous multinational companies and prestigious London hotels.
PRIVATE GP SERVICES
Building personal, meaningful relationships with all patients is of the utmost importance for the Practice, as is allowing adequate time for a comprehensive, thorough and accurate personal health assessment.
The London General Practice has consultation facilities on Harley Street, which is linked to an excellent range of diagnostic and analytical facilities, many of which are available in the same building.
In addition to our comprehensive private primary care service, our preventative healthcare service includes general health screening, and also well-woman and well-man health screening, to address gender specific health concerns.
The London General Practice
114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)
Tel: +44 (0)207 935 1000 www.thelondongeneralpractice.com