Here’s How Booking A Private GP Appointment London Can Benefit You
Have you recently fallen ill and had to wait for hours, days, or even weeks on end to see a doctor via the NHS? You are definitely not alone.
In fact, the NHS had an estimated total of 600 million patients last year. That comes down to about 1.7 million interactions per day. No wonder the queue to see a doctor is longer than a giraffe’s neck. And, if you live in London, the chances of seeing a publicly-funded doctor the same day are slim. This is because the English Capital’s population is currently clocking in at approximately 8.8 million people.
It is, of course, these long waiting times that have prompted many to opt for private GP services. But a shorter waiting time is not the only benefit booking a private GP appointment offers.
Private GPs And London
Not surprisingly, London is home to some of the best doctors in the world, and many of them work at the NHS. It is important to distinguish the difference between not being able to see a doctor immediately versus the quality that doctor can provide. Doctors in the NHS are simply swamped, therefore their hands are tied. It does not make them any less magnificent than a private GP in the area.
However, having said that, private doctors see far fewer patients a year, therefore they have more disposable time on their hands, giving them slightly more time to pay attention to your medical concerns. The average NHS appointment in London is about 8 minutes long. Whereas a private GP appointment London typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. But, do people really care? Yes, they do. According to a survey conducted in 2024, 55% of patients said they want consultations lasting at least 15 minutes. The exact same survey found that 40% of patients felt they could not address all their worries in a consultation that was less than 10 minutes. And that is why it is expected that you pay out of pocket for this extra care and convenience.
Why Do Longer Consultation Times Matter?
Comprehensive Assessments
When your GP has more time, they can really get to know your health by taking a full medical history, listening to your concerns, and doing a thorough check-up. Research actually indicates that longer consultations can lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
Personalised Care
Longer consultations also give your GP the chance to offer advice that is specifically tailored to your lifestyle, risk factors, and health concerns. This means better prevention, earlier detection of any issues, and improved management of chronic conditions. A study published in The Lancet found that a healthy diet can prevent up to 11 million deaths annually, preventing conditions like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Imagine the improved health outcomes if your doctor guides you on healthy life choices according to your medical history.
Reduced Stress
With longer consultations, you have more time to ask questions and discuss any worries without feeling rushed. Is there anything worse than going home and thinking, shoot, I forgot to ask about (dot dot dot). Therefore, longer GP appointments can help ease your anxiety and give you confidence in your treatment plan.
Another Huge Benefit That Can Improve Your Health
Privacy, privacy, privacy! None of us want to discuss our medical concerns with eavesdropping ears nearby. And sadly, many people are not always upfront about their lifestyle, symptoms, or medical history, when they feel someone is listening from behind the hospital ward screen. When booking an appointment at a private practice, more often than not, your consultation will be held in a private room with a door that closes. This allows you to be 100% transparent, which helps your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat you. A survey conducted 2 years ago showed that 53% of Britons would consider booking a private doctor appointment in the future just for the privacy factor. So, it is clearly a concern among many.
Finding A Private GP In London
If you have healthcare insurance, you can always ask them to refer you to a private doctor within your network. Alternatively, you can search online for a private practice near you. Please just remember to go through all the reviews and double-check that the doctor you are planning on calling is qualified.
Here Is What You Need To Remember
The NHS, despite facing challenges, has some of the best doctors in the world. However, sometimes we need a doctor right then and there. And if long waiting times and short appointment slots are making you feel worse rather than better, booking a private doctor appointment is a must.
It not only offers convenience, but as we have seen, it can benefit your overall diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery, and help ensure optimal health outcomes. Remember, about 40% of patients in England have stated that they had to wait more than 2 weeks to see a general practitioner. If you do not want to become part of that statistic, then you know what to do. Good luck!