What Does a Private GP Do? When Is It Worth Seeing One?

Access to healthcare has changed significantly in recent years, and many people are now exploring the option of seeing a private GP alongside or in addition to NHS care.

While the NHS remains the foundation of healthcare in the UK, private general practice can offer an alternative route for patients who value longer consultations, quicker access, or a more personalised approach.

Understanding what a private GP does — and when it may be helpful to see one — can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

What Is a Private GP?

A private GP is a qualified general practitioner who provides medical care outside the NHS. The training, qualifications and clinical standards are the same as those of NHS GPs, but consultations are offered on a private, fee-paying basis.

Patients may choose to see a private GP for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is the ability to access longer appointments, allowing more time to discuss symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors in detail. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with complex or ongoing health concerns.

Private GP practices also often provide faster access to appointments, including same-day or next-day consultations. For individuals with busy schedules or those who would prefer not to wait several weeks for a routine appointment, this can be an important advantage.

Another key feature of private general practice is continuity of care. Patients are often able to see the same doctor regularly, allowing the GP to develop a deeper understanding of their health history, family background, and long-term wellbeing.

When Might It Be Helpful To See a Private GP?

Many patients continue to use their NHS GP while occasionally choosing to see a private GP when they need quicker access or more time for discussion.

Situations where a private GP consultation may be helpful include:

• persistent symptoms that require a detailed assessment

• preventative health checks or screening

• menopause or hormonal health concerns

• dermatology or skin checks

• travel health advice and vaccinations

• general health concerns where patients would value more time for discussion

  
  

Private general practice can also be useful when patients would like a second opinion or further investigation of symptoms that have been difficult to resolve.

What Happens During a Private GP Appointment?

A private GP consultation is broadly similar to an NHS appointment, but typically allows more time for a detailed discussion and assessment.

During an appointment, the doctor may:

• review your medical history and current symptoms

• discuss relevant lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet and stress

• perform a physical examination if appropriate

• arrange blood tests or other investigations where needed

• provide advice, treatment or referral to a specialist

  
  

Because consultations are usually longer, there is often more opportunity to explore concerns in depth and develop a personalised plan for investigation or management.

Where specialist input is required, our doctors can facilitate referral to a trusted network of leading consultants and diagnostic services, helping ensure patients receive the most appropriate ongoing care.

Benefits of Private GP Care

Patients choose private general practice for different reasons, but some commonly valued aspects include:

• longer consultations, allowing more time to discuss health concerns

• quicker access to appointments

• continuity of care with the same doctor

• the ability to arrange diagnostic tests and specialist referrals promptly

• a more personalised approach to preventative healthcare

  
  

For many people, private GP care complements NHS services by providing an additional option when they would prefer quicker access or a more detailed consultation.

Is A Private GP Right For You?

Private GP care may be particularly valuable for individuals who want a proactive approach to their health, prefer longer consultations, or have busy schedules that make flexible appointment times important.

Many patients use a combination of NHS and private healthcare, depending on their needs at different times.

Private GP Appointments in Kensington and Marylebone

At Mews Medical, patients can access private GP appointments at our clinics in Kensington and Marylebone, with both in-person and virtual consultations available.

Our doctors provide thorough, patient-centred care, with time to discuss concerns fully and arrange appropriate investigations where needed.

About The Author

Dr Laura Wood is a GMC-registered GP and Co-Founder of Mews Medical, a private GP clinic in Kensington and Marylebone, London. She holds MRCGP, DRCOG and the British Menopause Society Certificate in Menopause Management, and has a specialist interest in women’s health and preventative medicine.