Private Healthcare
The information provided outlines the approach of Abbey Medical Practice towards Private Healthcare, including interactions with private providers, prescriptions, shared care arrangements and patient responsibilities. This information details how we manage requests to ensure safe, consistent and equitable care.
Abbey Medical Practice supports every patient’s right to choose their healthcare provider. We understand that some patients may opt for Private Care for various reasons, including quicker access or to use specialised services. However, Private Care operates under different rules and funding arrangements from NHS England.
Key Considerations for Patients
Costs of Private Care
Patients opting for private healthcare are responsible for understanding and covering all associated costs, including consultations, investigations (e.g. blood tests, scans) and treatment or medication.
The Practice resources cannot be used to support the services of Private Care. For example, we cannot request or fund tests, treatments, or prescriptions recommended by private providers. Patients are advised to confirm with their private provider or insurer what is included in their care package and whether additional costs may arise.
Communication and Information Sharing
To ensure safe and coordinated care, patients must take steps to facilitate communication between their private provider and Abbey Medical Practice.
- Private Providers: Patients should request that private providers send clinic letters and updates to Abbey Medical Practice in a timely manner.
- Patient Records: Patients should retain copies of correspondence from private providers for their personal records.
- NHS App: Patients can use the NHS app to share relevant information with private providers if needed.
Private providers are not required to access or share NHS records. This responsibility rests with the patient.
Qualifications of Private Providers
Abbey Medical Practice services are reviewed and regulated to ensure adherence to national safety guidelines and evidence-based care. Private providers are also subject to regulation, however, the responsibility for verifying their qualifications lies with the patient.
Recommendation
Patients are encouraged to choose providers who hold equivalent NHS roles in their specialty to ensure comparable expertise and standards of care.
Prescriptions and Shared Care Agreements
Prescriptions from Private Providers
The NHS advises against mixing private and NHS care for the same condition. Medication recommended by private providers must be prescribed and managed by the private provider. Abbey Medical Practice WILL NOT prescribe medications initiated by private specialists.
Shared Care Agreements
Private providers may request shared care arrangements, where responsibility for prescribing and monitoring is divided between the private specialist and the GP.
Abbey Medical Practice’s Policy on Shared Care Agreements:
- Abbey Medical Practice no longer enter into shared care agreements with private providers. This includes private providers offering contracts to NHS via right to choose e.g. Private ADHD, Weight Management Services
- This policy is in place to avoid accepting legal responsibility for medication or treatments outside the NHS framework.
- Patients prescribed medications by a private provider will need private prescriptions for the entire course of treatment.
British Medical Association (BMA) Guidance
The BMA states:
- Shared care agreements are voluntary and must be mutually agreed upon by the specialist and GP.
- Shared care with private providers is discouraged to maintain the NHS principle of separation between private and NHS care.
- If a patient wishes to transfer care from private to NHS services, a complete transfer of responsibility, including prescribing, must occur.
Responsibilities
Patients:
- Must ensure they understand and cover the costs of private care.
- Facilitate communication between private providers and Abbey Medical Practice.
- Verify the qualifications of private providers.
- Obtain private prescriptions for medications recommended by private providers.
Abbey Medical Practice:
- Provide advice and guidance regarding private healthcare.
- Ensure NHS resources are used appropriately.
- Uphold the principles of patient safety, equity, and quality care.
