The Numerous Advantages Of Finding A Private Doctor In London
Do you live in London and worry about waiting for hours, days, or even weeks to see a doctor during flu season through the NHS? Then worry no more, because booking an appointment with a private doctor in London could be your saving grace.
It is no secret that private healthcare comes with multiple advantages. It also comes with bills addressed to you or your medical insurance. However, more and more people are choosing to pay out of pocket for their healthcare vs. getting it for free. Could it be because money does indeed buy happiness? Let’s talk about the numerous advantages going to a private doctor offers.
Why Go Private?
Before you type in the term private doctor London in your trusted search engine, let’s have a look at some numbers. In a typical flu season, millions of people can be affected, although many cases are mild and do not require medical treatment. In 2023, the flu season was at an all-time high. That was a mere 2 years ago. The common cold affects an estimated 10 to 30 million people in the UK each year. Not to mention, the NHS (National Health Service) treats millions of patients annually for conditions ranging from infections to chronic diseases. To be exact, in 2024, the NHS handled around 1.7 million interactions daily, which adds up to roughly 600 million patients a year. This large number contributes to longer waiting times and shorter consultation durations. No wonder, during the same year, about 353 million people booked a private GP appointment. This is because a private practice typically offers appointments when you need to see a doctor the most. Of course, that is not the only benefit. Heading over to a private general practitioner that is not funded by the public also offers:
Thorough Consultations And Personlised Care
You would not believe how important this is. Private GPs boast an 80% overall patient satisfaction rate with around 65% of people saying “personalised care” is one of the main reasons for opting for private healthcare in the first place. Clearly, it matters. Of course, longer consultation times are possible with less foot traffic moving through your doctor’s doors. As much as the doctors at the NHS would love to sit and thoroughly listen to all your medical concerns, it is simply impossible. Remember the 600 million patients per annum stat mentioned earlier? Exactly. Not to mention, London being the capital is home to 8.945 million people. Therefore, the NHS in London will most certainly be busier than the NHS in St Ives.
However, currently, private consultation can offer it and longer consultations equate to a more in-depth discussion and review of your medical history and health problems. This in-depth review leads to a more personalised treatment plan designed to meet your specific health needs.
Access To Leading Healthcare Professionals
One of the great things about seeing a private doctor is the easy access to a wide variety of medical specialists. Private healthcare clinics often have a network of top doctors across many fields, from dermatologists to cardiologists, all offering their expertise in one place and under one roof. That means, if you need specialist care or a second opinion, private doctors can quickly refer you to the right expert, helping you avoid the stress and long waits that can come with the public healthcare system. Many private clinics in London also have access to the latest medical technology and treatments. From advanced diagnostic tools to advanced tests available at your fingertips with little to no wait.
Long-Term Care Support
The chances of seeing the same doctor with every visit are also higher when opting for private healthcare. This means you have the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with your GP. This long-term relationship goes a long way, especially when it comes to treatment options as your doctor will be familiar with your medical journey. It is also nice to see a familiar face during an unpleasant time. According to a recent survey, approximately 57% of UK patients consider it important to see the same GP each time. On an even more heartfelt note, a study in the British Journal of General Practice found that dementia patients who had a consistent GP saw fewer health problems. For example, they had a 35% lower chance of developing delirium and a 58% lower risk of incontinence. Therefore, we can conclude that seeing the same GP regularly can really improve health outcomes.
Confidentiality, Privacy, And Comfort
Another very important benefit is healthcare privacy. Nobody wants to talk about their medical history and symptoms in front of a room full of people. And at the NHS, it can sometimes feel like you are doing just that, especially in a crowded waiting room or ward in London. A recent survey found that 58% of respondents felt their GP practice lacked privacy, with some fearing their conversations might be overheard at the reception desk or over the phone. That is where private healthcare shines once more. It offers a private consultation room where you can discuss your health concerns with your doctor confidentiality.
On top of that, many private doctors (but not all) also offer home visits or consultations via telemedicine. This means you can discuss your concerns in the privacy of your own home. It is not only super confidential but super convenient too.
A Quick Summary Of Why A Private Doctor In London Is Worth Your While
Personalised care, longer consultation slots, and access to top specialists and advanced treatments are just a few of the benefits a private doctor in London can offer. Not to mention, convenience, privacy, and high-quality care are also part of the package. Whether you are a proud Londoner or willing to travel to the capital for treatment, private healthcare ensures you get the best care when you need it most.