With NHS waiting times reaching record highs, more patients are exploring private healthcare options. Whether you have Private Medical Insurance (PMI) or are looking at “Self-Pay” options, the process of seeing a specialist consultant is more straightforward than you might think.
In this guide, we detail the 5-step process to booking a private consultation and explain the critical “fine print” regarding your ongoing NHS care.
While some specialists allow “self-referral” (particularly in physiotherapy or cosmetic surgery), the vast majority of reputable UK consultants require a GP referral letter.
Why a referral matters: Your GP holds your full medical history. A referral letter ensures the consultant knows your previous diagnoses, current medications, and any allergies.
The Private GP Option: If you cannot get a timely appointment with your NHS GP, you can pay for a Private GP consultation (usually £60–£150) specifically to obtain a referral letter.
A Note on NHS Obligations: If a private consultant recommends a specific drug or treatment, your NHS GP is not legally obliged to prescribe it on the NHS. They must agree with the clinical necessity before taking over the costs.
In the UK, you have the freedom to choose your specific doctor. You can research specialists through:
PHIN (Private Healthcare Information Network): A government-mandated site showing consultant performance data.
Hospital Directories: Major providers like Nuffield Health, Spire, Circle Health, and Ramsay have searchable databases.
NHS Private Patient Units (PPUs): Many large NHS Trust hospitals (like the Royal Marsden or Guy’s & St Thomas’) have private wings where the profits are reinvested back into the NHS.
Once you have your referral, contact the hospital’s “Private Patient Team” or the consultant’s private secretary directly.
Speed of Access: Unlike the NHS 18-week target, private appointments are typically available within 2 to 7 days.
Remote Options: Many consultants now offer initial “Discovery Calls” via video link, which can be cheaper and faster than an in-person visit.
Before attending, you must clarify how the bill will be settled. Private healthcare costs are split into two parts: the Consultant’s Fee and the Hospital/Diagnostic Fees.
Medical Insurance: If you have Bupa, AXA, Aviva, or Vitality, you must call them first to get a “Pre-Authorization Number.” They will tell you if your policy covers the specific consultant and hospital.
Self-Pay Packages: If paying out of pocket, ask for a “Fixed Price” quote. An initial consultation usually costs between £200 and £350.
The Hidden Costs: Blood tests, X-rays, and biopsies are almost always billed separately by the hospital. A £250 consultation can quickly turn into a £1,000 bill if multiple scans are ordered on the same day.
Transparency between your private and NHS records is vital for patient safety.
The Letter Trail: Your consultant will write a summary letter to your GP after the appointment. Under the General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines, you are entitled to a copy of all correspondence regarding your health.
Requesting Copies: If you aren’t automatically copied into an email or letter, ask the consultant’s secretary. Having these records is essential if you later decide to move back to NHS care for expensive surgery or long-term treatment.
A common misconception is that seeing a consultant privately “loses your place” in the NHS. This is false. According to the NHS Constitution, you can mix private and NHS care.
If a private consultant diagnoses a condition that requires surgery, you can ask to be referred back to the NHS waiting list for the procedure itself. You will enter the NHS list at the same point as any other patient with that diagnosis; you do not get to “jump” the surgery queue, but you have saved months of time on the initial diagnostic phase.
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