In the UK, healthcare services are available through two primary channels, namely private healthcare providers and the NHS (National Health Service). While the NHS offers universally accessible and free healthcare, many people are increasingly booking private GP appointments.
These private appointments are usually paid for out of pocket, which begs the question, why pay at all when you can get it for free? That is what we will be answering today.
Let’s Look at Some Numbers
Last year, the NHS had about 1.7 million interactions daily. That comes down to an estimated total of 600 million patients that year! No wonder people in need of healthcare at the NHS experience excruciatingly long waiting times.
During the same year, about 3.53 million people booked a private GP appointment. Naturally, it is no secret that private GP services in the UK have seen significant growth in recent years. The main reason is said to be an increased demand for timely medical consultations. Of course, 3.53 million is a fraction of 600 million appointments booked, which allows us to conclude that private healthcare can more easily fit you in and provide you with the thorough consultation and care you deserve.
Today, private GP consultations now account for about 13% of all adult GP appointments. This is a huge increase from the 3% it once was 2 decades ago.
Reasons People Are Flocking Towards Private Healthcare
Faster Access to Appointments
Since we briefly touched on this earlier in the article, the shock value has probably dwindled. But the fact remains that people want access to a doctor when they need it. And that access is provided more easily through private healthcare.
Unfortunately, the NHS is notorious for having long waiting times. Many patients have reported having to wait weeks for an appointment. According to the latest NHS statistics, 40% of patients in England actually stated that they had to wait more than 2 weeks to see a general practitioner, and some practices have extended wait times up to several months. Private GP services also offer evening and weekend appointments, which may be unavailable through the NHS, making it easier to fit a consultation into your busy life.
Longer Consultation Times
Of course, with fewer people moving through private practice doors, you can generally expect to be treated to longer consultation times. This matters because it allows you to discuss your medical history and concerns in detail, ask your doctor questions, and offer them the opportunity to go through all the recommended treatments with you thoroughly. If we had to compare, an average NHS appointment is about 8 minutes long. Whereas a private GP appointment typically lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. That is a massive difference. Again, do not just take our word for it.
A 2024 Ipsos survey revealed that 55% of patients desire consultations lasting at least 15 minutes. The exact same survey found that 40% of patients felt they could not address all their worries in a consultation that was less than 10 minutes. There you have it. Longer consultation times matter.
Privacy, Privacy, Privacy
Absolutely none of us want to discuss our medical concerns whilst being separated from other patients and ears via only a hospital ward screen. More often than not, private practices have consultation rooms allowing you to privately discuss all your medical woes. This helps many patients feel more at ease during their consultation, and thus be more open and honest about their medical history, lifestyle, and worries. A 2023 survey showed that 53% of Britons would consider booking a private doctor appointment in the future just for the privacy factor. Again, that is over half who would not.
Digital Health Solutions
Naturally, not every private practice and clinic offers this service, however it is on the rise. Many practices have started to implement telemedicine and online consultation services, allowing you to speak with your doctor from the comfort of your own home. These digital platforms make healthcare even more accessible and convenient.
On top of that, many private clinics are integrating progressive health technologies, such as fitness tech, wearable devices, and health-tracking apps, into their services. These include the Fitbit Charge, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and more, to help monitor vital health metrics and optimise your overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
The UK is home to extremely well-trained and highly qualified medical professionals. That means, the NHS, despite facing challenges, has some of the best doctors in the world. However, if long waiting times and short appointment slots are leading to more frustration than relief, booking a private doctor appointment is an amazing alternative.
They offer fast and flexible scheduling and longer consultation times among many other benefits to help get your health and happiness back on track. What we have learned today, is that the primary reasons for more and more opting for private GP services include the speed of being seen, ease of booking appointments, and the ability to book longer face-to-face appointments. Never hesitate to talk to your medical insurance about the doctors within your network that they are willing to cover.
