Living in a first-world country comes with numerous benefits. One of them is free healthcare. But as exciting as the word free may be, everything free comes at a cost. It often manifests in longer waiting times or even rushed appointments due to a shortage of staff and increased demand.
Public healthcare in the UK handles an estimated 600 million patient interactions across GP, community, hospital, mental health, and ambulance services. That’s a lot of people who need to be catered to! This has led to a significant spike in private GP visits. So what exactly are the benefits of walking through a private GP’s doors? Let’s have a quick look.
Main Differences Between Public-Funded And Private GP Services
The most obvious difference lies in the payment method. Public-funded GP appointments are tax-funded, while private GPs expect you (or your medical insurance) to cover your costs. Naturally, most of us have heard the saying that money can’t buy happiness. But the real question is, can’t it though? Because brace yourself. Here are some incredible perks going to a private GP can buy.
The Freedom To Choose Your Appointment Time
Even though the NHS does offer you the option to choose a time that suits you, availability is limited. Basically it looks great on paper but in reality appointments operate on a first come first serve basis.
Many NHS GPs also only offer appointments during regular office hours. This makes it extremely difficult for those with busy schedules (or need to see a doctor outside of these hours). Insert the amazing level of convenience offered by private GP practices here. Ta-da.
When it comes to booking a private GP appointment, more often than not, you can avoid long queues or delays. And thanks to most private GPs offering extended operating hours (including evenings and weekends) they allow you to proactively manage your health without disrupting your daily routine.
Personalised Care
On average, private GP appointments can last anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes. NHS appointments on the other hand can last up to 10 minutes. It 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.
According to a recent study, private GP services have an 80% patient satisfaction rate. This is largely due to shorter waiting times and longer consultations. Go figure, and around 65% of people using private GP services cited “personalised care” as one of the main reasons for opting for private healthcare in the first place.
There you have it.
An Array Of Medical Services
Private GP practices often offer a wide range of comprehensive services beyond standard medical consultations. These may include onsite diagnostic tests (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds) eliminating the need for referrals and expediting the diagnostic process. None of us really want to drive from point A to point B and then back to point A to have tests done, do we?
Tranquil And Discrete Spaces
This is another plus point when it comes to visiting a private GP. Privacy and comfort. Of course, the NHS would never dream of calling the Daily Mail with your results. But it is no secret that crowded waiting rooms can provide a level of angst and partitioning screens aren’t exactly soundproof. And private practices typically offer a more serene and comfortable environment, providing you with a sense of ease during your appointments. In these private settings, you can discuss sensitive health issues with your GP in a confidential setting, free from the fear of judgement or eavesdropping.
How To Find A Great Private GP In London
Looking for the Ideal private GP in London? Believe us when we say, it is much easier to find than you think.
You can start by asking your family and friends. Simply because going to the doctor is much more common than getting plastic surgery. The chances are one of them will provide you with a stellar recommendation.
Alternatively, you can head on over to the World Wide Web and search for private GPs near you. Just remember to always look at the reviews. You want to put your health in the hands of a practice that flaunts numerous glowing and positive reviews!
If you have private insurance, you can access a network of private doctors, clinics, or hospitals too.
To Private GP Or Not To Private GP
While free healthcare systems like the NHS are invaluable and serve millions, they come with their own set of challenges. And if you enjoy shorter waiting times, work long or strange hours, or simply value personalised care along with longer consultation times, we would say TO PRIVATE GP.
If you’re considering making the switch, you are not alone. Private GP consultations now constitute approximately 13% of all GP consultations in the UK and as of mid-2024, there were over 550 Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered services offering private GP consultations in the UK. This includes 447 services located in private clinics and 103 in independent hospitals.
We’ll end with this. Investing in private healthcare could be the key to achieving greater control over your health and well-being.