Requests from Private Consultants and Private GPs

When patients see non-NHS providers, the provider will often make requests of the NHS GP surgery.

It is important to remember that the private provider remains responsible for your care and treatment arising from this appointment, not your NHS GP.

New medication, first prescription

We will not provide a first prescription at the request of a private practitioner, this is the responsibility of the private practitioner.

They are able to give you a private prescription for all new medication – we will not convert this to an NHS prescription.

Repeat medication

The surgery may take over repeat medication prescribing, once the private consultant or private GP has initiated and stabilised a new medication.

This is situation dependent and your NHS GP is not obliged to do this. Our action depends on the exact medication and on your medical history.

We expect the consultant to have provided the initial prescription of a Gloucestershire approved drug AND for you to have collected and started the medication.

Tests

We will not arrange NHS tests on behalf of a private practitioner. Private practitioners may offer to:

• Arrange private tests for you
• Refer you to an NHS consultant to obtain these tests
• Refer you for NHS tests directly themselves

Referrals

We will not arrange NHS referrals on behalf of private practitioners. Private consultants and GPs can access NHS referrals directly – NHS referrals do not need to come via your NHS GP.

We will not do this work on their behalf as that is their responsibility.

If a private practitioner advises you that they ‘cannot refer you on the NHS’ we advise you to challenge this assertion, as it is incorrect.

Shared care medication

We do not accept any shared care agreements from private providers.

If you would like more information on these matters please see the detailed information below:

• British Medical Association – General practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare