Everything You Need to Know About Going to a Private Doctor
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UK citizens are fortunate enough to have the NHS (National Health Service) at their service. Not only is the NHS healthcare famously free, but the doctors have been rated as some of the best in the world! Established in 1948, its creation was inspired by the vision of providing accessible healthcare to all UK citizens, regardless of their ability to pay. And since its inception, the NHS has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most widely respected publicly funded health services. However, it is not without its challenges.
Currently, the NHS is also one of the largest employers in the UK, with around 1.3 million staff working across a wide range of sectors. This includes over 200,000 nurses, 40,000 doctors, and more than 100,000 allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, radiographers, and pharmacists. However, the challenge lies in the sheer scale of demand, serving over 66 million people, with approximately 1.5 million patients attending NHS accident and emergency departments, each year. That is an immense number of people.
Naturally, this leads to NHS patients experiencing long waiting times and short appointment slots. Therefore, more and more people are opting for private GP services. In fact, private GP consultations now constitute roughly 13% of all GP consultations in the UK.
How Is A Private Doctor Different?
A private doctor, or private GP, is a fully trained medical professional who works outside the NHS. They usually see patients in private clinics or hospitals and offer the same kind of care as NHS doctors, like check-ups, treatments, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists. The biggest difference? How it is paid for. NHS GPs are funded by taxes, so you do not pay for your appointment directly. With private GPs, you either pay out of pocket or through health insurance. However, having said that, you have probably heard the saying, “money can’t buy happiness”. But it can buy you better healthcare. Because seeing a private GP comes with so many benefits. As briefly mentioned, shorter waiting times are one, and a longer appointment duration is another. Other advantages include:
Personalised Care
Do not be fooled, personalised care is a major player when it comes to patient satisfaction. A recent study actually found that about 65% of people who use private GP services chose private healthcare because of the personalised care it offers. Simply put, with more time and fewer patients to see, private doctors often provide more tailored care. You are more likely to see the same GP each time, which helps build a continuous, trusting relationship. This continuity can be particularly beneficial for chronic conditions or when navigating complex health issues. It also goes without saying that a longer consultation time equates to a more thorough consultation being had. This leads to a better understanding of your symptoms, concerns, and discussions around treatment options available.
Access To Specialists
Another major reason why people are opting for private care is that private GPs usually have quicker access to diagnostic tests (such as blood work, scans, and X-rays) and can refer patients to private consultants without delay. Sometimes, all of these services are under one roof, meaning you do not even have to leave the building to get all your medical stops done.
Environment And Experience
There is no need to beat around the bush, discussing personal health concerns can be difficult, especially when privacy is limited. Private clinics usually offer fully private consultation rooms, creating a more comfortable and confidential setting. This makes it easier for patients to speak openly about their symptoms, lifestyle, and any concerns without stressing about somebody eavesdropping. This type of open discussion can also lead to more accurate diagnoses and better overall care. Interestingly enough, a 2023 survey showed that 53% of Britons would consider booking a private doctor appointment in the future just for the privacy factor. Again, that is over half who would not.
Greater Appointment Flexibility
When it comes to booking private GP appointments, many private clinics offer same-day appointments or appointments outside traditional working hours (i.e. evenings and weekends), whereas many NHS GPs also only offer appointments during regular office hours or operate on a somewhat first come first serve basis. And with the large influx of patients visiting the NHS as discussed earlier, the chances of you being number 1 during flu season could be rather slim. According to the latest NHS statistics, 40% of patients in England actually stated that they had to wait more than 2 weeks to see a general practitioner, and some practices have extended wait times up to several months! Therefore, this added level of convenience offered by private practices helps you avoid long queues and your symptoms from worsening due to a delay.
Food For Thought Before You Go
While free healthcare systems like the NHS are invaluable and serve millions, it is hard to deny the long list of benefits private GP services offer. From speed to convenience to privacy to personalised care.
However, whether you choose a private GP for one-off concerns or as part of your regular healthcare, ultimately your decision comes down to your needs, preferences, and how much you are willing to invest in your health.