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.

GP refers a patient to a specialist

DocTap Medical Letters

Private Referral Letters

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 doctor consults a patient in a GP appointment

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.
A female GP examines a patient for referral

Medical Letters with DocTap

How to Get a Referral Letter from the GP

  • 1
    Book a Private GP Appointment
    Book online or visit one of our London clinics for a same-day GP appointment with a GMC-registered private doctor.
  • 2
    Provide Medical Details
    If you already have test results, past clinic letters, or details of your symptoms, bring for a quick, accurate referral to a specialist.
  • 3
    Speak with a DocTap GP
    A DocTap GP will assess your condition and issue a referral to a specialist, hospital, or diagnostic service, depending on your needs.
  • 4
    Get Your Referral Letter from the GP
    Your online referral letter will be uploaded to your DocTap account within an hour. In-clinic appointments can request a printed, signed copy.
A man books a private GP appointment online

Where to Get a Referral Letter

DocTap London Bridge Clinic

London Bridge

Located near London Bridge station, our clinic can issue a same-day referral letter for specialists in one appointment.

A woman books an online GP appointment

Online GP Consultation

Get a doctor's letter online from a qualified GP with our private video consultations.

DocTap Clapham clinic

Clapham

Near Clapham Common Station, we offer verified medical letters with same-day consultations.

DocTap Canary Wharf clinic

Canary Wharf

For same-day referral letters and medical certificates in London near Canary Wharf station.

DocTap Swiss Cottage Clinic

Swiss Cottage

DocTap's Swiss Cottage clinic offers fast, professional GP appointments for all types of UK medical letters

DocTap Victoria Clinc

Victoria

Located in Keencare Pharmacy, we offer verified medical letters with same-day consultations.

Find a GP Clinic Near Me

Get a specialist referral letter from a GP online or at one of our central London clinics

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 will be able to help you select a specialist that is covered under your policy. If you do not have health insurance we reccomend 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 reccomend 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.

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 shoose which specialist to visit.

Get a Private Referral Letter

DocTap’s GMC-registered GPs provide same-day specialist referral letters, available by appointment online or at our central London clinics