How to prepare for your first private GP appointment

Why preparation matters

A private GP appointment is typically 30 minutes — sometimes longer. Compared to a 10-minute NHS slot, that’s generous. But it still passes quickly, particularly if you have multiple concerns or a complicated history.

Patients who prepare get more out of the same appointment. They’re also more likely to leave with a clear plan, the right tests ordered, and onward referrals if needed.

Before your appointment

Write down your concerns

Bullet points work. Put the most important concern first. If you have several issues that aren’t obviously related, that’s fine — just list them. We’d rather work through 3 things properly than rush through 7.

If something is sensitive or embarrassing, write it down rather than rely on whether you’ll have the nerve to bring it up. We’ve heard every variation of every concern.

Check timing

• Arrive 10 minutes early to register if it’s your first visit
• Allow buffer afterwards if you’ll need blood tests or other investigations done same day
• If parking is tight, factor in extra time

Eat normally

Unless you’ve been told otherwise, eat as you normally would. Being hungry doesn’t help anyone’s clarity. If you might need a fasting blood test, ask at booking.

Chaperone

You’re welcome to bring a partner, family member, or friend. For examinations, you can also request a clinical chaperone (a staff member present). Just ask.

What to bring

• Photo ID — passport or driving licence. Useful particularly if claiming through private insurance.
• A list of medications — including doses, frequencies, and over-the-counter items. Photos of the boxes work fine.
• Recent investigations or letters — if you’ve had blood tests, scans, or specialist letters elsewhere in the last few years, bringing copies saves time.
• Insurance details — membership number and pre-authorisation code if you have one.
• Your written list of concerns and questions.
• A pen or your phone — for noting down what we discuss.

Your medical history

Be ready to share briefly:

• Previous diagnoses — even if you think they’re no longer relevant
• Operations — with approximate dates
• Allergies — particularly to medications
• Family history — heart disease, cancer, diabetes, mental health, in first-degree relatives
• Lifestyle — smoking, alcohol, exercise, occupation, stress
• Pregnancy history if relevant
• Vaccinations if relevant to the visit

You don’t need to provide all of this proactively — we’ll ask the relevant bits. But if you’ve thought about it beforehand, your recall will be better.

Questions worth asking

Some prompts that often improve consultations:

• “What’s the most likely cause and what else could it be?”
• “What tests are you suggesting, and what will they tell us?”
• “What would worry you most about this, and what would make me come back urgently?”
• “What can I do at home that would help?”
• “If this doesn’t improve, what’s the next step?”
• “Is there anything written I can take home?”

During the consultation

• Don’t minimise things. “It’s probably nothing but…” is fine to say, but tell us what’s actually happening.
• Be honest about lifestyle. Alcohol intake, smoking, recreational drugs, sexual history, mental state — this isn’t about judgement, it’s about getting an accurate picture.
• Ask if you don’t understand. Medical jargon should not be a barrier in a consultation you’re paying for.
• Take notes. Diagnoses, medication names, follow-up plans, dates.
• Tell us if something doesn’t feel right about the plan. We’d rather modify than have you leave dissatisfied.

After the appointment

You should leave with:

• A clear understanding of what’s being treated and how
• Any prescriptions or treatment plan in writing where appropriate
• Test forms or referral letters if relevant
• A clear plan for follow-up — what, when, why
• Knowledge of how to reach us if things change
• A summary letter (we send one for most consultations within a few days)

If any of this is missing or unclear, contact us before things slip.

Setting realistic expectations

Private GP doesn’t mean every test on demand

We follow evidence-based practice. If a test isn’t clinically indicated, we’ll say so and explain why. This protects you from false positives, unnecessary follow-up, and avoidable anxiety. We’ll also tell you when a test IS worth doing that the NHS doesn’t routinely offer.

Some things need specialists

A GP is a generalist. For complex conditions, we may refer you to a specialist — that’s good practice, not a failure.

Some answers need more than one appointment

Complex or chronic conditions often need investigation, a treatment trial, and review. We won’t always give you a complete diagnosis in 30 minutes — but we’ll always give you a clear next step.

We’re happy to be a second opinion

If you’re unsure about something an NHS or other private doctor has said, that’s a perfectly valid reason to come to us. Bring the letter or notes.

Continuity matters

If you find a clinician you trust, ask to see them for follow-ups. Continuity makes consultations better. We try to enable this where possible.