Responding to Private Healthcare Requests
Introduction
– Their treatment is not available through the NHS, or
– They prefer not to be treated within the NHS system.It is essential that the boundaries between NHS and private care are clearly understood to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate management of your care.
Responsibilities for Private Healthcare
Private Providers Are Responsible For:
– Arranging and performing all required tests, scans, and investigations.
– Explaining all test results directly to the patient.
– Prescribing necessary medications.
– Organising follow-up appointments.
– Arranging transfer back to the NHS, if appropriate.
Patients Are Responsible For:
– Paying for all private consultations, tests, and treatments.
– Making their own arrangements for private appointments and tests.
– Understanding the full costs involved in private care.
Studholme Medical Centre and Private Investigations
Studholme is not permitted to arrange tests, scans, or investigations requested by private providers as part of private care. NHS resources cannot be used to subsidise private healthcare.
If a private provider asks you to contact your GP practice to organise such tests, please remind them:
“My NHS GP cannot arrange tests requested by a private provider. These must be arranged privately.”
Private providers making onward referrals to NHS providers
Private providers can make referrals to NHS services, without referral back to the GP, provided the patient would be eligible for NHS referral. Any patients referred should be treated based on clinical need. Read NHS England guidance around consultant-to-consultant referrals within the NHS.
Private Scans Arranged Independently
If you arrange a private scan (e.g., Ultrasound, MRI, CT) without seeing a private specialist:
– Studholme Medical Centre GP’s may not have the expertise to interpret the results.
– We recommend consulting a private specialist who can arrange and interpret the scan appropriately.
General Practice and Private Healthcare
In line with NHS and British Medical Association (BMA) guidance:
– Studholme Medical Cente will only arrange investigations or prescribe medications necessary for NHS care, where the GP is the responsible clinician.
– NHS resources cannot be used to support private healthcare requests outside the scope of NHS care.
– Patients can access their medical record via the NHS app if they wish to share their medical records and test results with private providers.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us protect NHS resources and ensuring your care is managed safely and appropriately.
