Is it worth paying for a private GP?

It depends on what you need. Private providers often offer same-day appointments for non-emergency care, subject to availability. NHS practices assess requests according to clinical need, so same-day care may be provided for clinically urgent concerns, while routine appointments may be offered later. Private care may also provide more choice of appointment time, consultation format or length. Consider the consultation fee, any additional costs for tests or treatment, and how follow-up will be managed.

Can I still use the NHS after seeing a private GP?

Yes. You can pay for private GP appointments without leaving your NHS practice. Your NHS registration and entitlement to eligible NHS care are not cancelled because you choose private care.

Is it faster to see a private GP than an NHS GP?

Sometimes. Waiting times vary by provider, location, time and clinical need. Private providers may have same-day appointments available for routine non-emergency care, although availability is not guaranteed and fees apply. NHS practices prioritise requests according to clinical need: urgent concerns may be dealt with on the same day, while waiting times for routine appointments vary. Check current availability rather than assuming either option will always be faster.

Does a private GP appointment go on my NHS record?

Not automatically. Private GP providers normally keep separate records, so a private consultation may not appear in your NHS record or the NHS App. Some providers can send consultation summaries or results to your NHS practice through appropriate sharing arrangements. DocTap patients can download their consultation notes, test results and referral letters from the Records tab in their patient account and share them with their NHS GP. Check that any clinically important information has been received.

Can my NHS GP issue an NHS prescription after a private consultation?

Not automatically. An NHS GP must make their own prescribing decision, considering clinical need and NHS prescribing guidance. They may decline to prescribe or take on monitoring, particularly when specialist supervision is required. Confirm who will prescribe, monitor and pay for treatment before starting it privately.

Can a private GP refer me to an NHS specialist?

Sometimes. Private clinicians can refer to NHS services where the NHS pathway permits and the patient meets the eligibility criteria. Other pathways may require your NHS GP or another authorised NHS clinician to assess and make the referral. Check the arrangements for the relevant NHS service rather than assuming all referrals must go through your NHS GP.

Can I get a private diagnosis and then have treatment on the NHS?

Yes, if you are eligible for NHS care. You may need a new assessment or referral under the relevant NHS pathway. Until an NHS service formally accepts responsibility for an aspect of treatment, check that your private clinician remains responsible for any necessary prescribing, monitoring and follow-up.

Will the NHS accept private blood test results or scans?

You can share private results with your NHS clinician, who can consider them alongside your symptoms and medical history. This does not guarantee an NHS referral or treatment, and a clinician may request further assessment or repeat investigations where necessary.

Are private GPs better than NHS GPs?

Not inherently. Both private and NHS GPs are regulated medical professionals. Private care may offer quicker access, longer appointments or more choice of appointment time and format, but patients usually pay and tests, medicines or follow-up may cost extra. NHS general practice is free at the point of use and provides ongoing care within the wider NHS. The better option depends on your clinical needs, urgency, budget and follow-up requirements.

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Private GP vs NHS - What's the Difference?

You can see a private GP without leaving your NHS practice or losing access to NHS care. However, the two services manage appointments, prescriptions, referrals and medical records differently. Here's what to know about using both in England.

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Comparing NHS and private GP care

Both NHS and private GPs must meet professional standards. The main differences are how appointments are arranged, what patients pay, and how investigations and ongoing treatment are organised.

NHS GP

Appointment availability: Your practice assesses requests according to clinical need. Same-day help may be available for urgent concerns, and some appointments are offered in the evening or at weekends.
Consultation length and choice of doctor: Appointment length varies with clinical need and the practice. You may see a GP or another suitable healthcare professional. A particular clinician or longer slot may not always be available.
Cost: NHS GP consultations are free for people entitled to NHS care. Some prescriptions and services may carry charges.
Tests and scans: Tests and scans are arranged when clinically appropriate through NHS services. Access and timing depend on the investigation and local pathway.
Specialist referrals: Referrals are based on clinical need and the receiving service’s eligibility rules. NHS waiting times depend on the pathway and clinical priority.
Ongoing care and follow-up: Your registered NHS practice supports ongoing primary care, repeat NHS prescribing and coordination with other NHS services.

Private GP

Appointment availability: You can usually choose from available appointment slots. Some practices offer same-day, evening, weekend and video appointments, depending on availability.
Consultation length and choice of doctor: Some practices offer a choice of doctor and appointment length, including longer consultations. Options and fees vary by provider.
Cost: You pay for the consultation, unless an insurer covers it. Medicines, tests, scans and follow-ups may cost extra; check all potential charges in advance.
Tests and scans: Private tests and scans may be available sooner through private providers, but patients generally pay. NHS clinicians are not obliged to repeat or adopt a private clinician’s investigation plan.
Specialist referrals: A private GP can refer to private specialists. Referral to an NHS service may also be possible where its pathway accepts the referral and the patient is eligible; paying privately does not fast-track NHS care.
Ongoing care and follow-up: Some private practices provide ongoing care and allow you to return to the same clinician. Further appointments and monitoring may incur costs, and records are not automatically integrated with NHS GP systems.

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Six things to know when using private and NHS care

The services can work alongside each other, but it helps to know who is responsible for each stage of your care.

You keep your NHS GP: You do not need to deregister from your NHS practice to book privately. Using private care does not remove your entitlement to NHS services if you are eligible.

Private prescriptions have separate costs: You pay the private price for medicines prescribed privately, and the provider may charge for issuing the prescription. Your NHS GP does not have to issue an NHS prescription for treatment recommended privately.

NHS referrals depend on the pathway: Some NHS services accept referrals from eligible private clinicians; others require an NHS referral route. An NHS clinician may need to reassess the referral. Paying privately does not fast-track NHS care.

Private tests do not guarantee NHS treatment: Private blood tests and scans can inform NHS care, but NHS clinicians decide whether to act on the results, investigate further or repeat a test.

Records do not sync automatically: Private consultation notes and results are generally held separately from NHS GP records. Ask your private provider for a copy and how it can be shared securely with your NHS practice. Do not assume it will appear in the NHS App.

Urgent care still follows NHS routes: Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice when you are unsure where to go; A&E is for serious injuries and emergencies. A routine private GP service is not a substitute for emergency care.

Private GP and NHS FAQs

Answers to common questions about using a private GP alongside NHS care.

Is it worth paying for a private GP?: It depends on what you need. Private providers often offer same-day appointments for non-emergency care, subject to availability. NHS practices assess requests according to clinical need, so same-day care may be provided for clinically urgent concerns, while routine appointments may be offered later. Private care may also provide more choice of appointment time, consultation format or length. Consider the consultation fee, any additional costs for tests or treatment, and how follow-up will be managed.
Can I still use the NHS after seeing a private GP?: Yes. You can pay for private GP appointments without leaving your NHS practice. Your NHS registration and entitlement to eligible NHS care are not cancelled because you choose private care.
Is it faster to see a private GP than an NHS GP?: Sometimes. Waiting times vary by provider, location, time and clinical need. Private providers may have same-day appointments available for routine non-emergency care, although availability is not guaranteed and fees apply. NHS practices prioritise requests according to clinical need: urgent concerns may be dealt with on the same day, while waiting times for routine appointments vary. Check current availability rather than assuming either option will always be faster.
Does a private GP appointment go on my NHS record?: Not automatically. Private GP providers normally keep separate records, so a private consultation may not appear in your NHS record or the NHS App. Some providers can send consultation summaries or results to your NHS practice through appropriate sharing arrangements. DocTap patients can download their consultation notes, test results and referral letters from the Records tab in their patient account and share them with their NHS GP. Check that any clinically important information has been received.
Can my NHS GP issue an NHS prescription after a private consultation?: Not automatically. An NHS GP must make their own prescribing decision, considering clinical need and NHS prescribing guidance. They may decline to prescribe or take on monitoring, particularly when specialist supervision is required. Confirm who will prescribe, monitor and pay for treatment before starting it privately.
Can a private GP refer me to an NHS specialist?: Sometimes. Private clinicians can refer to NHS services where the NHS pathway permits and the patient meets the eligibility criteria. Other pathways may require your NHS GP or another authorised NHS clinician to assess and make the referral. Check the arrangements for the relevant NHS service rather than assuming all referrals must go through your NHS GP.
Can I get a private diagnosis and then have treatment on the NHS?: Yes, if you are eligible for NHS care. You may need a new assessment or referral under the relevant NHS pathway. Until an NHS service formally accepts responsibility for an aspect of treatment, check that your private clinician remains responsible for any necessary prescribing, monitoring and follow-up.
Will the NHS accept private blood test results or scans?: You can share private results with your NHS clinician, who can consider them alongside your symptoms and medical history. This does not guarantee an NHS referral or treatment, and a clinician may request further assessment or repeat investigations where necessary.
Are private GPs better than NHS GPs?: Not inherently. Both private and NHS GPs are regulated medical professionals. Private care may offer quicker access, longer appointments or more choice of appointment time and format, but patients usually pay and tests, medicines or follow-up may cost extra. NHS general practice is free at the point of use and provides ongoing care within the wider NHS. The better option depends on your clinical needs, urgency, budget and follow-up requirements.

Why patients choose DocTap

What you can expect from DocTap

If you decide private GP care is right for you, DocTap makes it easy to see an experienced GP at a London clinic or by video, with clear pricing and joined-up access to tests, prescriptions and follow-up.

London clinics or online across the UKSee a GP at a convenient London clinic or by secure video from anywhere in the UK.

Rapid results at on-site labsAt selected clinics, some blood test results can be ready in minutes and reviewed with a GP during the same visit.

Complete care with continuityAccess diagnosis, treatment, prescriptions, referrals and follow-up. Choose your doctor or return to someone you have seen before.

Same-day, evening and weekend appointmentsCheck live availability and book a same-day, evening or weekend GP appointment at a time that works for you.

Wider GP-led careAccess sexual health, women's and men's health, mental health, medical weight loss, health screening and other GP-led services.

AI-assisted language supportSpeak in your preferred language while live AI translation supports your consultation, at no extra charge.

Need a GP appointment?

If you'd like to book privately, DocTap offers GP appointments in London and by video. You can use private appointments alongside your NHS care.

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