Short Waiting Times
When it comes to private GPs and appointments, private GP clinics tend to have shorter waiting and turnaround times when it comes to appointments and consultations. With NHS GPs, they tend to have multiple people and patients registered at their surgery and with this in mind, in some cases it can take up to two weeks or even longer to get an appointment. Another area that affects wait times tends to be clinic speciality and region, for example more specialist surgeries and busier cities will tend to have a longer wait for appointments. At Broadgate GP we aim to offer a more flexible GP appointment service which operates longer opening times and video and phone consultations, making it much easier to get an appointment and much more efficient.
More Flexible
Private GP appointments provide more flexibility, they will include extended appointments and consultation times. This means that you’re able to book appointments early in the morning, during lunchtime, evenings and even weekends. Most private GPs will more than likely run longer and more flexible appointment times, some will even operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week services. This is drastically different and much more flexible than traditional NHS GP surgery appointments. Some private GPs will also offer an out of hours service for emergencies.
When choosing a private GP, they are also more likely to provide home visits if necessary. If you prefer this, a private GP will provide a consultation or examination at your home or an environment that you are most comfortable in. They can also provide online consultations and telephone appointments.
Longer Appointments
Private GP appointments will tend to not have a time stamp on them, for example in some NHS GP surgeries, appointments may be limited to 15 minutes or so, with private GP surgeries they usually offer a consultation time of 30 minutes an appointment. If necessary, longer can also be booked out, maybe you have a few different health issues you’d like to discuss or a bigger problem that you need help with, a private GP is a great option for you. Knowing you have extra time in your appointment means that you have to speak to your doctor freely and discuss any concerns you may have, ensuring that everything is fully considered and investigated. Private GP appointments are organised and dedicated.
Efficiency
Private GP clinics will only have access to the very best technology, equipment diagnostics, consultants, and health specialists available. This can include referrals from your private GP, they may be a lot quicker, as well as the turnaround time for test results and treatments, these can be organised and sorted out a lot more quickly that usual. Some test results can even be returned on the same day. Whether it’s a COVID test, a blood test, flu vaccinations, a referral or sound advice, it couldn’t be simpler when considering the services of a private GP.
Treatments
In comparison to NHS clinics and private GP surgeries, private GPS tends to have more time and can provide a range of solutions and treatments that will be tailored to your exact needs and requirements. In some cases, normal GPs may be restricted when providing a treatment, this can be to do with the NHS not having access to the same consultants and treatments that a private GP does. You will also be able to dictate your treatments and have more of a say in when you receive them, a private GP may also be able to offer you a lot more options. Another benefit to seeing a private GP, is that your appointments will more than likely be with the same doctor or health practitioner, you’re able to build a relationship and more personal experience with GP, and the GP will always be fully up to date on your lifestyle and historic ailments and issues.
Services
In some cases, when you choose a private GP appointment, you will have more access to a wider range of services. Private GPs have access to more specialist services, for example if you have a skin condition, a private GP will be able to refer you to a skin specialist or dermatologist, they can often do this in the same appointment and get you a referral consultation as soon as possible. Our services also include well women and well man clinics, providing support for concerns or issues that aren’t particular. Some patients may experience longer waits for referral appointments and specialist consultations when visiting a non private GP.
