Private healthcare FAQs

Understanding private healthcare

Q: What is private healthcare?
A: Private healthcare refers to medical services provided outside the NHS. These services are typically paid for through out-of-pocket payments or private insurance and can include everything from GP consultations to specialised treatments and surgeries.

Q: How does private healthcare differ from the NHS?
A: The main differences include shorter waiting times, more personalised care, and often greater flexibility in choosing specialists and scheduling appointments. Appointments are sometimes longer. For example, Magna Private Healthcare offers 30-minute consultations.
While the NHS offers comprehensive and free-at-the-point-of-use services, private healthcare can provide quicker access to treatments and a more tailored healthcare experience.

Q: Are private GPs better than NHS GPs?
A: Both are highly qualified. Private GPs have worked in the NHS, and many still do. If you’re wondering if seeing a private GP is worth it, it depends on your priorities. The advantage of seeing a private GP is that you’ll receive longer, more personalised consultations, and enjoy greater flexibility in appointment scheduling.

Q: Can I use both NHS and private healthcare services?
A: Yes, many people use a combination of NHS and private healthcare services. For example, you might use the NHS for general care and emergencies while opting for private healthcare for quicker access to specialist consultations and elective procedures. Or if you’re struggling to get an appointment with your NHS GP for general care, you can book an appointment with a private GP.

Q: Do I need private health insurance to access private healthcare?
A: No. While insurance can help cover the costs, you can pay for treatments and consultations out-of-pocket on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Q: How do I access private healthcare?
A: Simply book an appointment. Many private healthcare providers offer online booking systems for consultations and treatments, and some also offer virtual video consultations. Magna offers both for your convenience.

Q: How do I choose a private healthcare provider?
A: Consider factors such as the experience and qualifications of the medical staff and the range of services offered. It’s also important to consider the convenience of the location and the availability of appointments.

Treatment and costs

Q: What types of treatments are available through private healthcare?
A: Private healthcare providers offer a wide range of treatments, including GP consultations, specialist referrals, diagnostic tests, and even surgeries. You can explore Magna’s services here.

Q: How much is an appointment with a private GP?
A: That depends on the practice and the purpose of your appointment. To view Magna’s fees, simply select the service you’re interested in here.

Q: How do I book an appointment with a private GP?
A: The process of booking a private GP appointment depends on the practice. For Magna we have a quick, simple and straightforward process:
Complete our easy online form
Pay for your appointment securely online
Receive an email confirmation of your appointment

Q: Can private GPs prescribe medicines?
A: Yes. If a private doctor or specialist prescribes medication or treatment, this will be issued as a private prescription. Typically, an NHS GP practice cannot convert a private prescription into an NHS prescription. If you want your NHS GP to take over prescribing the medication or treatment recommended by the private doctor, your GP must first ensure that the prescription aligns with what they would prescribe to other NHS patients with the same condition or diagnosis.

Referrals, records and regulators

Q: Can I get a referral from my NHS GP to a private specialist?
A: Yes, your NHS GP can refer you to a private specialist if you prefer to seek private treatment. This referral can help streamline the process and ensure that your private specialist has access to your medical history and relevant information.

Q: Can I get a referral from a private GP to an NHS specialist or service?
A: Yes. Private GPs can make referrals to the NHS. For example, a private GP can refer you to receive NHS diagnostic tests, and those will be free of charge.

Q: Can private doctors access my NHS records?
A: NHS medical records are highly confidential and are not automatically shared. To allow a private GP access to your records, you would need to explicitly request this from the organisation holding your information, such as your GP surgery or the hospital where you received treatment. The timeframe for sharing these records can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Q: Will my private healthcare provider communicate with my NHS GP?
A: With your consent, yes. Sharing your private healthcare information with your NHS GP is critical to ensuring continuity of care.

Q: Are private healthcare providers regulated?
A: Yes. Different groups of professionals or organisations are regulated by the following:
Doctors – General Medical Council and Care Quality Commission

Dentists – General Dental Council and Care Quality Commission

Hospitals – Care Quality Commission

Pharmacists – General Pharmaceutical Council and Care Quality Commission

Nurses and midwives – Nursing and Midwifery Council and Care Quality Commission

Opticians – General Optical Council and Care Quality Commission

If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for in our private GPs FAQs, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.