GP assessment first
You have a symptom or condition that may need specialist assessment and want a clinician to define the right specialty and clinical question.
Specialist care
Private specialist referrals.
A focused GP assessment and referral letter when specialist opinion, investigation or treatment is clinically appropriate.
Send only the report type and your contact details by ordinary email. We will explain the secure route for forms and medical information.
GMC-registered doctorsIndependent clinical judgement
CQC-registered serviceCare within a regulated setting
Manchester-based care22 Oxford Court, Manchester
Check the route
Is this the right service?
A quick check before booking avoids the most common delays: the wrong form, missing records or a request that needs another clinician or organisation.
Named or open referral
You have a consultant in mind, or your insurer asks for an open referral to a suitable specialty.
Urgent or emergency care
Symptoms may need same-day or emergency assessment rather than a routine private referral. Use NHS 111 or 999 as appropriate.
Clinical review
What the doctor considers.
A referral is a clinical handover, not an administrative letter. The GP considers whether specialist care is needed, whether tests or treatment should come first, and what information will help the receiving clinician.
A report, certificate or referral is not guaranteed. The clinician must be able to support every statement from the information and examination available.
01
Your current concern
Symptoms, duration, effect on daily life and any warning signs or urgency are assessed.
02
Relevant background
Medical history, medicines, allergies, previous treatment and existing diagnoses are considered.
03
Available evidence
Bring relevant results, imaging, letters and reports so the referral can be accurate and useful.
04
The destination
The GP discusses the appropriate specialty, urgency and whether a named or open referral fits your needs.
Prepare well
Bring the evidence, not just the form.
The right documents help the doctor answer accurately and reduce the chance of a second appointment.
What to provide
- A clear summary of your symptoms and what has changed
- A current medication and allergy list
- Relevant results, scans, hospital letters or previous specialist reports
- Your preferred consultant or hospital details, if you have chosen one
- Your insurer’s referral and authorisation rules, if you are using cover
Important limits
- A GP consultation is normally needed before a new referral is written
- The clinician may recommend examination, tests or primary-care treatment first
- Urgent symptoms are directed to the right urgent or emergency service
- The specialist decides whether to accept the referral and what treatment is appropriate
- Insurer approval and specialist fees are separate from the GP referral
From request to document
A clear four-step process.
We check the request before confirming an appointment, so you know the format, evidence and cost in advance.
Check
Confirm any insurer or consultant requirements before the GP appointment.
Consult
The GP assesses the concern, evidence, urgency and most suitable next step.
Refer
If appropriate, a focused letter sets out the clinical question and relevant background.
Arrange
You or the receiving provider arrange the specialist appointment and any funding approval.
Useful answers
Before you enquire.
Requirements vary, but these principles help you prepare for the right appointment.
Do I always need a GP referral to see a private specialist?
Not every private provider requires one, but the NHS advises getting a GP referral letter. It helps direct you to the right specialty and gives the specialist relevant clinical background. Your insurer may also require it.
Can I choose the consultant?
You can tell the GP which consultant or hospital you prefer. The clinician will consider whether that specialty is appropriate. An open referral can be used when the insurer or patient will choose the provider later.
Can I get a referral letter without a consultation?
A new referral normally needs a clinical assessment and sufficient information. If a clinician already assessed the same issue and holds the relevant evidence, they will decide whether another appointment is necessary.
Will the referral guarantee an appointment or treatment?
No. The specialist or provider decides whether to accept the referral, what further assessment is needed and what treatment to recommend.
Can the referral be used for NHS specialist care?
This service is for private referrals. NHS referrals use NHS pathways and eligibility rules, usually through the GP practice holding your NHS record.
Request an appointment
Let us check the request first.
Email the report type, the organisation requesting it and your contact details. Please do not include medical information in ordinary email. We will reply with the secure next step and confirm suitability, what to bring, the fee and appointment length before booking.
General enquiries
A working contact route for medical reports and private referrals.
Emailinfo@allhoursgp.com
Address22 Oxford Court,
Manchester
Manchester
Before bookingRequest review required
Official guidance used for this page:
This service information does not replace the instructions of DVLA, a licensing authority, employer, insurer, specialist provider or other receiving organisation.