Do I need a referral to see a private surgeon?

This is one of the most common questions I receive from patients considering private care for the first time. The short answer is: no, a GP referral is not legally required to see a private surgeon. But there are good reasons why it is still recommended in most cases.

Can you self-refer?

Yes. As a private patient, you are entirely entitled to contact a consultant surgeon's secretary directly and arrange an appointment without a GP referral. There is no legal or regulatory barrier to doing so, and I see self-referring patients regularly.

Why is a GP referral still recommended?

A referral letter from your GP serves several important purposes. It provides me with a summary of your medical history, current medications, relevant investigations, and the reason for referral, all of which allows me to prepare for your consultation properly and ensure continuity of your care. It also means your GP is kept informed of your management, which is important for joined-up care, particularly if you need prescriptions, sick notes, or ongoing monitoring. For patients with insurance, most insurers require either a GP referral or at minimum a note from your GP confirming that the consultation is medically necessary. It is worth checking your policy before self-referring if you are planning to claim.

What if I cannot get a GP appointment quickly?

If you are experiencing symptoms that are concerning you and cannot access a GP appointment promptly, please do contact the secretary directly. I am happy to see patients who self-refer, and where there is clinical urgency, I will prioritise accordingly. I would always encourage you to keep your GP informed of any specialist consultations, even if you arranged them yourself.