How do I see a hospital consultant privately?

In this article, we will describe how you can see a hospital consultant privately?

To see a private consultant in the UK, you can try these steps: 

1. Get a referral

It’s best to ask your NHS (or private) GP for a referral letter to a hospital specialist consultant. Your GP can also help you find a consultant. Some consultants will accept a referral directly from you, but others may only accept referrals from a GP or hospital doctor.

Whether you see a private consultant, with or without a GP referral (actually, or are referred to an NHS consultant), your GP is not obliged to accept the specialist’s recommendations.

2. Contact the hospital

If you are paying for yourself, you can call the private hospital directly to make an appointment. You can also contact the doctor directly.

3. Schedule an appointment

You can schedule an appointment soon with the consultant you want to see.

4.  Arrange payment

You can arrange direct payment, or if you have health insurance coverage details, they will pay. Some private medical consultants offer a range of investigations, blood tests, scans and x-rays as part of their service (or you will have to pay for them too).

5. Letters

When doctors write to each other about your care, they should give you a copy of their letters or emails.

If you do not get a copy, you should ask for one.