The current state of our healthcare system may leave you wondering whether it’s worth seeing a private GP vs the NHS.
We understand that private GP appointments come at a cost, but the numerous benefits of private GP appointments may just make the price worth it!
If you're still umming and ahhing as to whether or not it is worth going to a private GP, this article is here to help!
Private GP vs NHS GP - What’s the difference?
To ensure patients receive safe, compassionate, and high-quality care no matter where they visit, both private and NHS healthcare providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
But that’s about as far as the similarities go!
It’s no secret that the main difference between NHS and private GP appointments is that you have to pay when you go private.
If not going private, the following is an unfortunate reality for NHS GP appointments today:
- Long waiting times
- Little to no flexibility
- Abrupt appointments
There are even more differences between the two, which can provide numerous benefits to those who seek a private GP appointment.
The benefits of private GP appointments
If you’re a UK resident, you may find yourself asking why pay for healthcare when we can get it for free? We can’t deny that’s a fair argument, but a recent survey found that only 29% of the population are satisfied with the NHS.
This is the lowest that this score has been since the survey started in 1983!
It comes as no surprise either. People are waiting months - if not years - to be seen by healthcare professionals. This can lead to symptoms and pain worsening with each passing day.
You and your health deserve to be top priority, and private healthcare provides just that. Let’s explore how…
Longer appointment duration
NHS GP appointments are usually 10 minutes long. That’s all!
So, if you have to explain your medical history and all of your symptoms, before you know it, your appointment is over - and the doctor’s hardly had the chance to consult on possible causes or give your issue the time it deserves!
Private GP appointments allow you to have longer appointments that let you truly have a conversation with your doctor, and explore a range of suitable remedies before choosing the right one for you.
Here at Pall Mall, we offer a range of appointment times, including:
- 15-minute appointments
- 30-minute appointments
- 60-minute appointments
Each appointment length has a different price point - this allows you to pick the best choice for your situation and take control of your health.
Choose your own doctor
We all know how laborious and difficult it can be to explain your medical history to doctor after doctor, each having their own opinion and sometimes different diagnoses!
It can quickly become a distressing and confusing situation that can put you off seeking help for your ailments, which could get worse if not seen to.
When you opt for private medical care, you can choose to see the same doctor each time. This reduces the chances of having to put up with these trying conversations as your GP will be fully aware of your medical history. If you’d prefer a second opinion, too, that can be arranged.
Our consultants are qualified and highly experienced so you can ensure you get the best care at all times - whether you’re simply visiting for a routine check-up, seeking a private prescription, or following a referral for a specialist consultant.
Flexible appointments
Whether it’s the school run, work, or simply doing all the other things it takes to look after you and your family, it can be hard to find the time to make a doctor's appointment.
That’s one of the major perks of going private. With a private medical provider, your convenience is better catered to.
Here at Pall Mall, we offer early morning and late evening appointments, Monday-Saturday - meaning no need to book time off work or restructure your day to suit!
Plus, we provide flexibility when it comes to the type of appointment you arrange. Whichever best works for you, choose from:
- Telephone consultations
- Video appointments
- Face-to-face consultations at our private clinics
No waiting times
According to new data released by the NHS, less than half of people get same-day GP appointments in the UK. If you have a pressing issue, this can lead you to visiting Urgent Care or A&E, which are notorious for their long waiting times.
Sometimes the waiting can send your worry into overdrive, making the whole process an even more anxiety-ridden experience than it needs to be. This in itself can cause people to avoid seeking help for their aches and pains, potentially making health issues worse.
Private GP appointments allow you to be seen the very same day! So, you can say goodbye to the dread, fear, and bother that come with standard GP appointments.
All you need to do is contact us via our online form or call our friendly team to book your private GP appointment today.
Completely confidential
When you are passed from doctor to doctor, it can feel like your medical issues and history are no longer private. Constantly repeating your ailments can feel embarrassing, tiring, and upsetting.
As you can choose which doctor you see when you opt for private medical care, you can ensure that your medical information is kept confidential.
At Pall Mall, we also extend this to your standard GP and any NHS care you receive in the future. Plus, we will only contact your NHS doctor if you ask us to.
This ensures your medical business remains personal, just as it should be.
End-to-end service
Sometimes your GP may recommend that you seek specialist treatment for your medical problems.
This can lead to even longer waiting times. This added anguish can aggravate your symptoms, increasing your pain and discomfort.
Private GPs can quickly arrange appointments with dedicated consultants for specific issues. This allows you to be seen relatively quickly by specialists trusted by your private doctor, so you can avoid waiting around for referral letters or sick notes.
Your care is our top priority. With a private GP appointment at Pall Mall, we ensure you get the high-quality care you deserve.
Experience the benefits of a private GP: Book your appointment at Pall Mall today!
When comparing private GP vs NHS appointments, we hope you now see why people across the UK are making the switch. With the various benefits of private GPs, the quality care you can expect could be worth the cost if that’s important to you.
Here at Pall Mall, our private GP appointments start from just £50! You can be sure that, with us, you and your health will always be top priority.
Our expert team of doctors are here to put your mind at ease and get you feeling like your best self sooner rather than later.
With a range of same and next-day appointments available - either remotely or at our clinics in the North West - it’s time to put your health first.
Get in touch with our friendly team today:
- Phone us on 03300 27 26 51
- Visit one of our clinics
- Fill out our contact form.
