GP Referral Letter
Get a private GP referral letter for specialist care, issued same-day by GMC-registered doctors online or in-clinic. Book today for dermatologist, cardiologist, orthopaedic referrals, and more.
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Connecting You to Expert Care, Faster
Private Referral Letters
DocTap offers verified referral letters from qualified GPs with NHS experience, accepted by private specialists and hospitals across the UK.
- GMC-registered GPs
Your doctor’s referral letter is written and issued by a qualified, NHS-experienced GP registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
- Specialist Care Faster
Skip long waits. Book a GP appointment with DocTap today and receive your referral letter the same day, accessing private specialists faster.
- Verified Referrals
Specialists can verify your DocTap referral letter online in seconds, with your personal health details kept secure at all times.
- CQC-regulated Provider
DocTap is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), meeting national standards for patient safety, professionalism, and medical documentation.
What Is a GP Referral Letter?
A GP referral letter is an official document written by a doctor to support your move to further care. It explains your symptoms, relevant medical history, and the reason you need to see a specialist or have a specific test. Private clinics often ask for a referral letter so they have the right clinical information before your appointment.
With DocTap, you can book a short online or in-clinic appointment and get a referral letter from the GP the same day. Your letter includes your details, your GP’s signature, and a clear explanation of why specialist review is recommended. It can be used for common private referrals, including dermatology, physiotherapy, cardiology, orthopaedics, ENT, and diagnostic services.
Do You Need a GP Referral Letter?
You need a GP referral letter when a specialist or clinic asks for a doctor’s assessment before they can see you or arrange further tests. It outlines your symptoms and reason for referral for faster access to the right care.
- Referral to a specialist:
- Such as dermatology, cardiology, orthopaedics, or ENT. Your GP explains your symptoms so the specialist knows what to assess.
- Referral for scans or tests:
- MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, or hospital diagnostics often require a private GP referral letter before booking.
- Referral for physiotherapy:
- Some physiotherapists ask for a brief GP summary or doctor's referral to guide treatment safely.
- Referral for private hospital care:
- When you need faster assessment or treatment through a private hospital or clinic.
- Referral to gym:
- If you have certain health conditions or risk factors, a GP can issue a gym referral for a personalised exercise plan with an instructor.
Fast, Reliable Support at Every Stage
How to Get a Referral Letter
- 1Book a Private GP AppointmentBook online or visit one of our London clinics for a same-day GP appointment with a GMC-registered private doctor.
- 2Provide Medical DetailsIf you already have test results, past clinic letters, or details of your symptoms, bring for a quick, accurate referral to a specialist.
- 3Speak with a DocTap GPA DocTap GP will assess your condition and issue a referral to a specialist, hospital, or diagnostic service, depending on your needs.
- 4Get Your Referral Letter from the GPYour online referral letter will be uploaded to your DocTap account within an hour. In-clinic appointments can request a printed, signed copy.
Where to Get a Referral Letter
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.
Find a GP Clinic Near Me
Get a medical letter that moves your care forward. Our GPs provide same-day referral letters online or in our central London clinics, helping you access the specialist you need, when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the consultants appointment fee included in the DocTap consultation fee?
No. The fee of the consultant/specialist appointment is an external cost and payment will be organised outside of DocTap.
- Can you do a referral to an NHS Specialist?
No, as a private GP we can not directly refer patients to NHS consultants or specialists. This includes the NHS 2 week wait service. Our doctors can write a letter to your NHS GP who may decide, on reading the letter to refer you to an NHS specialist.
- I've got my referral, how do I now book an appointment?
If you have health insurance, your insurer can help you choose a specialist covered by your policy. If you do not have health insurance, we recommend using www.doctify.com to find a specialist.
- Does the referral letter cost extra?
Unlike other private GPs, the referral letter is issued free of charge with DocTap and is included in the appointment fee.
- Will you arrange the referral appointment for me?
We do not arrange the appointment with the doctor we refer you to. We will refer you to a private specialist and their booking team will be happy to assist with getting you an appointment.
- I need a medical examination and form completing before my operation, can you do this?
We do not have access to your medical history, so we cannot confirm your suitability for a given procedure. We recommend visiting your NHS GP.
- Can you send the referral letter to the specialist?
Yes, once you have identified which doctor you would like to be referred to please send us their email address to support@doctap.co.uk and we will send them your referral letter.
- Can a private GP refer me to an NHS consultant?
No. DocTap cannot refer you directly to an NHS consultant or into an NHS urgent cancer referral pathway. If specialist NHS care may be appropriate, the DocTap GP can write to your registered NHS GP with their assessment and recommendation; your NHS GP then decides whether to refer through the local NHS pathway. DocTap can issue a referral to a private specialist or diagnostic service when clinically appropriate. The referral letter is included with the appointment, but the specialist’s fees are separate. More information about private referral letters is available at https://doctap.co.uk/letters/private-referral-letters, and appointment options are listed at https://doctap.co.uk/gp-services.
- Do I need to book a follow up appointment with you after seeing the consultant?
The specialist that we refer you to may send us a letter updating us on your progress. If you would like to continue discussing your treatment with a DocTap GP please book an appointment by logging into your DocTap account and following the steps to book an appointment.
- Do you provide Open referral letters?
Yes, our doctors can write you an open referral letter so that you or your insurance company can choose which specialist to visit.
- Can a GP refuse a private referral?
Yes. A GP must use their clinical judgement and may decline to write a referral if they do not think it is appropriate, the requested specialist is unsuitable or more urgent care is needed. At DocTap, the GP will assess the concern and can issue a same-day private referral letter, included with the appointment, when referral is justified. DocTap cannot refer directly into NHS consultant services; it can instead write to your NHS GP, who decides whether to make an NHS referral. You can read about private referral letters at https://doctap.co.uk/letters/private-referral-letters and review DocTap GP appointments at https://doctap.co.uk/gp-services.
Move Your Care Forward, Today
Whether you need a GP referral letter for diagnostics, physiotherapy, or dermatology, our doctors provide reliable referrals online or in clinic, helping you reach the right specialist sooner.