Private GP practices are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as patients look for faster access, longer appointments, and continuity with the same doctor.
At Kent Family Medical, we know many people have questions about how private general practice fits alongside the NHS.
This article explains what private GP services involve, how they work in partnership with the NHS, and what you can expect if you choose to see us.
What Medical Problems Can a Private GP Practice Help With?
Our doctors and clinical team have many years of experience and continue to work within the NHS. This means that if you would normally see your NHS GP about an issue, you can come to us too.
We can help with everything from minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, and sore throats to the management of complex, long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension.
We also have additional expertise in women’s health, mental health, nutrition, asthma, and cardiology.
For many patients, having more time in their appointment allows us to address several concerns in one visit.
For example, you might want to talk about your medication, ask about lifestyle advice, and raise a new symptom all in the same consultation.
Private general practice gives us the flexibility to cover these areas thoroughly without rushing.
We also place an emphasis on preventative medicine. This means we are not just here when you are unwell, but also when you are well and want to stay that way.
Preventative medicine can include health checks, discussions about diet and exercise, screening tests, or personalised advice to reduce your risk of illness in the future.
What is different about a private GP appointment?
The main difference patients notice is time. NHS GPs do an excellent job but often have very limited appointment slots, usually around 10 minutes.
In private practice, we offer longer appointments so there is more opportunity to talk about your health concerns in detail.
This extra time means we can:
- Listen carefully to your concerns without rushing.
- Take a full medical history and understand the bigger picture.
- Address multiple issues in one appointment.
- Provide detailed explanations and give you time to ask questions.
Patients often tell us they appreciate being able to leave an appointment feeling that everything has been properly discussed and understood.
Do I Need to Leave My NHS GP to Register Privately?
No. Everyone in the UK must remain registered with their NHS GP. This is essential for continuity of care and access to services such as hospital treatment or prescriptions within the NHS.
When you see us at Kent Family Medical, we work alongside your NHS GP rather than instead of them.
Some patients prefer to come to us for one-off appointments, while others choose to register with our practice for ongoing access.
Either way, we will keep your NHS GP informed by sharing updates about your care, treatment, and any changes to your medication.
With your permission, we may also request access to your NHS notes. This helps us provide safe, joined-up care and avoids unnecessary duplication of tests or treatments.
If I See a Private GP, Do I Have to Continue Everything Privately?
No, not unless you want to. Private general practice is about patient choice.
At Kent Family Medical, we can arrange tests such as blood work or swabs in our clinic, giving you quick results that are easy for our team to access and explain.
However, if you prefer for tests to be arranged via your NHS practice, we will write to your NHS GP with our recommendations.
The same applies to referrals. If our team feels you would benefit from seeing a specialist, you can choose between a private referral to a consultant of your choice or an NHS referral through your GP.
Many patients appreciate having the option to decide what works best for them in terms of speed, cost, and convenience.
Read more here: How to switch to a private GP.
How Often Can I Access Private General Practice?
As much or as little as you need.
Some patients only come for occasional one-off appointments when they are unwell, while others prefer regular check-ups or ongoing management of a long-term condition.
You can book an appointment whenever you feel you need medical support or reassurance.
We will always update your NHS GP to ensure their records remain complete and accurate.
Take a look at our guide to choosing a private GP.
What Are the Benefits of Private GP Care?
Patients choose private general practice for a variety of reasons, including:
- Longer appointments that give time for a thorough discussion.
- Faster access to appointments without long waiting times.
- Continuity – you can often see the same doctor each time.
- Choice around where investigations and referrals are carried out.
- Preventative care with a focus on staying well, not just treating illness.
For some people, it’s about reassurance that they can be seen quickly if something is worrying them.
For others, it’s about ongoing support and the opportunity to build a trusted relationship with their GP.
How Can I Register With Kent Family Medical?
Registering is straightforward. You can choose to become a registered patient with us for ongoing care, or you can simply book a one-off appointment when you need to be seen.
Our team will always work in partnership with your NHS GP to make sure your care is safe, coordinated, and fully documented.
If you would like to find out more, you can register as a patient here or contact our reception team, who will be happy to guide you through the process.