Question 1

What is a private GP?

Accepted Answer

A private GP is a fully qualified general practitioner who provides medical care outside the NHS, funded directly by the patient or through private medical insurance. Private GPs are GMC-registered doctors trained to the same standard as NHS GPs but typically offer longer appointments, greater continuity of care, faster access, and a wider range of on-site services. At The Doctor's Lounge, all of our GPs are UK-trained, GMC-registered and members of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Independent Doctors Federation (IDF).

Question 2

What is the difference between a private GP and an NHS GP?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, private and NHS GPs are trained to the same standard and follow the same UK guidelines. The key differences are in access and experience: private GPs generally offer longer appointments (20–60 minutes), same-day or next-day availability, direct continuity with the same doctor, and the ability to arrange investigations, referrals and treatments quickly. Private care is patient-funded and complements, rather than replaces, the NHS.

Question 3

Are private GPs qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All private GPs practising in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and hold a licence to practise. Reputable private GPs are also members of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and often the Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), and their clinics are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Question 4

Is private GP care regulated in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private GP clinics in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects services against national standards for safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership. Individual doctors are regulated by the General Medical Council. The Doctor's Lounge operates in full compliance with CQC standards.

Question 5

Is my private GP consultation confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything discussed during a private GP consultation is confidential and governed by GMC guidance on confidentiality and UK data protection law. Information is not shared with your NHS GP or anyone else without your explicit consent, other than in the rare circumstances required by law.

Question 6

Can I use a private GP alongside my NHS GP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients use private GP services alongside their NHS care — for faster access, longer appointments, second opinions, health screening or specialist services — while remaining registered with an NHS practice. With your consent, we can share consultation notes and test results with your NHS GP to keep your records aligned.

Question 7

Do I need to register to see a private GP?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to register in the same way as with the NHS. You can be seen at The Doctor's Lounge as a one-off patient on a pay-as-you-go basis, or you can join our membership for structured, continuous access to the same GP.

Question 8

Can I get a same-day GP appointment at The Doctor's Lounge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We aim to see patients the same day wherever possible. Appointments can be booked online through our website or by calling us on 01923 988994.

Question 9

How do I book a private GP appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book online through our website — where you'll see live availability across all four clinics — or by calling 01923 988994. Our team will help find the earliest suitable slot, including same-day appointments where possible.

Question 10

How long are private GP appointments?

Accepted Answer

We offer 20-, 30- and 60-minute appointments. We recommend a 30-minute appointment for most new issues, and a 60-minute appointment for complex or multiple concerns. Your doctor will always take the time needed to properly address your health.

Question 11

Do you offer evening or weekend GP appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer Saturday appointments at selected clinics. Please book online or call 01923 988994 to find a time that suits you.

Question 12

Do you offer video or telephone GP consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remote telephone and video consultations are available for appropriate issues, offering the same quality of care from home or work. Please contact us to check whether a remote consultation is suitable for your concern.

Question 13

Can I see the same GP every time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we actively encourage it. Continuity of care is central to what we offer. Membership is the best way to ensure ongoing continuity with the same doctor.

Question 14

Do I need to be registered with an NHS GP to use a private GP?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to be registered with an NHS practice to be seen at The Doctor's Lounge, although we generally recommend remaining registered with the NHS as well.

Question 15

Do I need to be a member to book?

Accepted Answer

No. We welcome both members and non-members on a pay-as-you-go basis. Membership offers benefits such as priority access, continuity, concierge support and reduced consultation fees.

Question 16

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a form of photo ID, a list of any current medications and doses, details of any relevant medical history or recent test results if available, and your private medical insurance details if you plan to claim through your insurer.

Question 17

Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please give us as much notice as possible by phone or email so we can offer the slot to another patient. Details of our cancellation policy are provided at the time of booking.

Question 18

How much does a private GP appointment cost at The Doctor's Lounge?

Accepted Answer

Consultations start at £120 and phlebotomy (blood-draw) appointments are £30. A full, transparent breakdown of consultation lengths and additional services is available on our fees page. There are no hidden charges — we will always be clear about costs before your appointment.

Question 19

How much does a private GP cost in the UK on average?

Accepted Answer

Private GP consultation fees in the UK typically range from around £70 for a short remote appointment to £250+ for extended face-to-face consultations in central London. Fees at The Doctor's Lounge start at £120 for a standard consultation, with longer 30- and 60-minute options for more complex needs.

Question 20

Do you accept private medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your policy with your insurance company, we can either provide you with an invoice to claim back directly, or arrange for payment directly from your insurer. Please contact us to discuss your specific policy and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Question 21

Which insurers do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with several major UK private medical insurers. Because policies and provider networks change frequently, please contact us directly with your insurer and policy details so we can confirm before your appointment.

Question 22

Are there any hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

No. Consultation fees are clearly published, and any additional costs — such as blood tests, procedures, prescriptions or referral letters — will be discussed and agreed with you before they are incurred.

Question 23

How much do private blood tests cost?

Accepted Answer

A phlebotomy (blood-draw) appointment is £30. The cost of the laboratory analysis itself depends on which tests are requested. Your GP will explain the recommended tests and the total cost before proceeding.

Question 24

Do I pay per appointment or by subscription?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. You can pay per appointment on a pay-as-you-go basis, or join our membership for structured monthly access, continuity with the same GP, priority booking, and reduced fees on additional services.

Question 25

Can I claim tax relief on private GP fees?

Accepted Answer

Private medical fees are generally not tax-deductible for individuals in the UK. Some employers offer private GP access as a taxable benefit. Please seek independent tax advice for your specific circumstances.

Question 26

What does The Doctor's Lounge membership include?

Accepted Answer

Membership includes priority booking, continuity with the same GP, a concierge service, and reduced fees on additional services. We offer individual, home and student options, with Essential and Premium tiers to suit different levels of need. Full details are on our membership page.

Question 27

Is private GP membership worth it?

Accepted Answer

For patients who value consistent, timely access to a trusted GP, membership offers exceptional value. It supports genuine continuity of care, so your GP can get to know you and take a proactive, preventative approach to your long-term health.

Question 28

Are there any joining fees?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no joining fees for membership at The Doctor's Lounge.

Question 29

Can I add family members to my membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a home membership option designed for households, as well as individual and student memberships. Please visit our membership page or contact us for details on adding family members.

Question 30

Is there a minimum contract length?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our memberships are 12-month contracts. After the initial 12 months, your membership moves to a rolling monthly contract basis, unless you choose to pay annually, in which case the annual contract renews each year. Please contact us directly if you would like to discuss your membership or make any changes.

Question 31

Can I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

Memberships run on a 12-month contract. Please contact us to discuss cancellation and any applicable terms — we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Question 32

Is there a rejoining fee if I leave and want to come back?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we do have a small rejoining fee for patients who leave their membership and wish to rejoin at a later date. This is simply to avoid recurrent turnover and the administration involved in managing membership changes. Please contact us directly for details.

Question 33

Do you offer corporate memberships?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide corporate health services and workplace memberships tailored to employers who want to offer private GP care as a benefit to their teams. Please visit our corporate page or contact us to discuss options.

Question 34

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide private GP consultations, health screening (including core health checks and heart health assessments), women's health, men's health, weight management, travel and routine vaccinations, minor surgery, joint injections, mental health support, home visits and corporate health. We also work with a network of wellness and specialist partners.

Question 35

Do you offer private prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where clinically appropriate, your GP can issue a private prescription during or after your consultation, which can be dispensed at most UK pharmacies.

Question 36

Can I get a private referral to a specialist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your GP can refer you to a private specialist or consultant where appropriate, and can help direct you to the most suitable clinician based on your needs.

Question 37

Do you offer minor surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide minor surgical procedures at our clinics, including the removal of skin lesions, cysts and moles where clinically appropriate. Please see our minor surgery page for details.

Question 38

Do you offer joint injections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer joint and soft-tissue injections for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Please see our joint injections page or book a consultation to discuss suitability.

Question 39

Do you offer travel vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and travel health advice. Please see our travel vaccinations page for details, and book well in advance of travel to ensure full protection.

Question 40

Do you offer routine childhood and adult vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer routine vaccinations for adults and children outside the NHS schedule, as well as catch-up vaccinations. Please see our routine vaccinations page for the full list.

Question 41

Do you offer allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

We can assess and investigate suspected allergies during a consultation and arrange appropriate blood tests where clinically indicated. Please book a consultation to discuss your specific concerns.

Question 42

Do you offer ECGs and cardiovascular assessments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide cardiovascular assessments and heart health screening. Please see our heart health page for details of what is included.

Question 43

Do you offer sexual health screening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide confidential sexual health consultations and screening as part of our private GP service. Please book a consultation to discuss.

Question 44

Where are your clinics?

Accepted Answer

We have four clinics: Beaconsfield, Northwood, Chalfont and Berkhamsted, serving patients across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and London.

Question 45

Do you offer home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer doctor home visits for patients who prefer to be seen in the comfort of their own home, or who are unable to travel to a clinic. Please see our doctor home visits page for details and coverage areas.

Question 46

What areas do you cover for home visits?

Accepted Answer

Our home visit service covers Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and parts of London. Please contact us with your postcode to confirm availability.

Question 47

Can I be seen at any of your clinics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a patient of The Doctor's Lounge you are welcome to book at whichever of our four clinics is most convenient for that visit.

Question 48

Is there parking at your clinics?

Accepted Answer

Parking arrangements vary by clinic. Please see the individual clinic page for details of local parking and access.

Question 49

Are your clinics accessible for patients with mobility needs?

Accepted Answer

We aim to make our clinics as accessible as possible. Please contact us in advance if you have specific access requirements and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Question 50

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our GPs are experienced in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through adolescence, and children can be seen at any of our clinics or via a home visit.

Question 51

Do you offer children's vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer routine and catch-up vaccinations for children, as well as travel vaccinations. Please see our routine vaccinations and travel vaccinations pages for details.

Question 52

Can the whole family join a membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our home membership is designed for households and allows multiple family members to be included. Please visit our membership page or contact us for details.

Question 53

Do you offer newborn checks?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us to discuss newborn assessments — we can advise on what is appropriate and arrange a suitable appointment, including a home visit if preferred.

Question 54

What is a private health check?

Accepted Answer

A private health check is a structured, in-depth assessment of your current health and future risk. It typically includes a detailed history, physical examination, blood tests covering key markers (cholesterol, glucose, liver, kidney, thyroid and more), and a personalised discussion of the results with your GP, alongside lifestyle and preventative advice.

Question 55

What is included in your core health check?

Accepted Answer

Our core health check is a comprehensive private health screen designed to give you a clear picture of your current health and future risk. Please see our core health checks page for the full list of included tests and assessments.

Question 56

How often should I have a private health check?

Accepted Answer

For most healthy adults, a comprehensive health check every 1–2 years is a reasonable interval. If you have specific risk factors or ongoing conditions, your GP may recommend more frequent screening tailored to you.

Question 57

Do you offer heart health screening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide dedicated heart health assessments, including cardiovascular risk assessment and appropriate investigations. Please see our heart health page for details.

Question 58

What blood tests are included in a health check?

Accepted Answer

Typical panels include full blood count, cholesterol/lipid profile, glucose or HbA1c, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and additional markers based on your age, sex and clinical need. Please see our core health checks page for a full breakdown.

Question 59

How long does a health check take?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive private health check is usually scheduled as an extended appointment, followed by a separate results consultation once your blood tests and any additional investigations are complete.

Question 60

Can a private GP help with menopause?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our GPs offer dedicated menopause consultations to assess your symptoms, discuss your history and preferences, and agree an individualised management plan — which may include lifestyle advice, non-hormonal options, and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) where appropriate.

Question 61

Do you prescribe HRT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where clinically appropriate, our GPs prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy), including body-identical options, and provide ongoing monitoring and review.

Question 62

How long is a menopause consultation?

Accepted Answer

We generally recommend a 30- or 60-minute appointment for menopause consultations to allow time for a thorough discussion of symptoms, history and treatment options. Please book online or contact us for advice on the most suitable appointment length.

Question 63

Do you offer perimenopause assessments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our GPs assess and manage perimenopausal symptoms, which can begin several years before periods stop. Please book a women's health or menopause consultation.

Question 64

Do you offer men's health consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide dedicated men's health consultations covering testosterone, sexual health, prostate health, cardiovascular risk, weight, mental wellbeing and more. Please see our men's health page for details.

Frequently asked questions

About private GP care

Appointments and access

Fees and costs

Membership

Services and treatments

Locations and home visits

Children and family care

Health screening

Menopause

Testosterone and men's health

Weight management and GLP-1

NHS versus private care

Referrals and prescriptions

Mental health

Corporate health

GP care and prescriptions

Mental health — further questions

Women's health

Men's health — further questions

Children and family

Skin and minor procedures

Elderly and end of life care

Occupational and administrative

Practical and logistical

Questions pending team review