A private GP appointment can make sense when you would value more time with a doctor, want to talk through several related concerns in one visit, or need an appointment that fits around work and family. It works alongside your NHS GP, not instead of them, and it is never the route for an emergency. Knowing when a longer private appointment helps, and when another service is more suitable, lets you get the right care at the right time.
This guide is part of our private GP series. It is written by a doctor who has worked in NHS general practice since 2007 and still does.
What is a private GP appointment?
A private GP is a fully qualified GP who you see as a paying patient. The medicine is the same: the same training, the same national guidance, the same professional standards. What differs is how the appointment is organised. Private appointments are usually longer and booked at a time that suits you, and the fee covers your time with the doctor, with any tests priced separately and agreed first.
NHS GP appointments are designed to serve a whole local population fairly, and NHS practices offer continuity of care, repeat prescriptions, long-term condition reviews and national screening programmes. Most people will always want to keep their NHS GP, and we encourage it.
When can a longer private appointment help?
When you want time to talk something through
Some concerns take time to explain properly, especially when symptoms are vague, have built up over months, or affect several parts of your life. A longer appointment gives room to tell the whole story, ask questions, and leave understanding the plan.
When several things feel connected
Tiredness, poor sleep, low mood and aches can overlap. A longer appointment allows a doctor to look at them together and decide which tests, if any, would genuinely help.
When timing matters to you
If work, caring responsibilities or travel make it hard to attend at particular times, choosing when you are seen can be valuable.
When you would like a second conversation
Sometimes people want another doctor to talk through a diagnosis, test results or options they have already been given. That can be helpful, and we will always respect the care you are receiving elsewhere.
When you want a specific procedure or check
Private GPs can offer services such as tailored health checks, minor surgery for lumps and bumps, and joint injections. Our guides to what a private health screen tells you and when a mole needs checking explain two of these in more detail.
Related readingWhat a private health screen does and does not tell youRead the article →When is a private GP not the right route?
- Emergencies. Chest pain, a suspected stroke, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or a serious injury need 999 or A&E, not a booked appointment.
- Urgent problems out of hours. NHS 111 can direct you to the right service, day or night.
- Ongoing long-term care. Regular reviews for conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, and many repeat prescriptions, usually sit well with your NHS practice, which holds your full record.
- National screening. Cervical, breast and bowel screening are delivered through NHS programmes, and you should keep attending when invited.
If we think another service would suit your situation better, we will tell you.
How private and NHS care work together
With your consent, we write to your NHS GP after your appointment, so your record stays complete and your care stays joined up. If you need a specialist, we can refer you privately, or we can write to your NHS GP so you can be referred through the NHS if you prefer. If we find something that needs urgent investigation, we will explain the options on the day and make sure the next step happens promptly.
Some medicines and tests arranged privately are paid for privately. It is worth knowing this before you start, and we will always be clear about costs in writing.
When to see a doctor sooner
Please do not wait for a routine appointment, private or NHS, if you have:
- chest pain or pressure, especially if it spreads to your arm, jaw or back
- signs of a stroke: a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech
- severe difficulty breathing, or lips or skin turning blue or grey
- a seizure, sudden confusion or collapse
- heavy bleeding that will not stop
Call 999 for any of these. For problems that are urgent but not life-threatening, call NHS 111 or contact your GP the same day. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call 999, NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health), or Samaritans on 116 123.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are not sure about something, see a doctor.
How we approach this at Aarva
Private GP appointments at Aarva are with Dr Saptarshi Saha, a GP and GP trainer who leads our general practice, diagnostics, minor surgery and joint injections. Appointments are unhurried. We listen first, examine you where it helps, and only suggest tests that would change what we advise.
Your plan is agreed with the doctor in the appointment, and anything further we recommend is priced clearly first. If we do not think a test or treatment will help, we will tell you. You can read more about what to expect at your first appointment, why we set up Aarva, and our approach to private general practice.
Questions patients ask
Do I need to leave my NHS GP to see a private GP?
No. Most people keep their NHS GP and use private appointments alongside. With your consent, we write to your NHS GP so your records stay joined up.
Can a private GP refer me to a specialist?
Yes. We can refer you to a private specialist, or write to your NHS GP so you can be referred through the NHS if you prefer.
Is a private GP appointment suitable for an emergency?
No. For chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding, call 999. For urgent problems that are not life-threatening, call NHS 111.
How long is a private GP appointment?
At Aarva you choose a 15 or 30 minute appointment when you book, so there is time to talk through your concerns properly.
If a longer conversation with a doctor would help, you can book a consultation, or use find your starting point to choose the right appointment.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
