Searching “private GP near me” no longer means finding a bricks-and-mortar clinic. Increasingly, it means seeing a GP online – today.
With NHS primary care under sustained pressure, more patients are choosing remote private GPs for faster access, longer appointments, and continuity of care without travel or waiting rooms. At AccessGP, we combine the reassurance of NHS-trained doctors with the efficiency of modern, patient-centred care.
The Reality of NHS GP Access
The NHS remains a world-class service, but demand is higher than ever. According to NHS Digital, more than one in four patients in England wait over two weeks for a GP appointment, with average waits around 10–14 days.
Even when appointments are available, consultations are often limited to 9–10 minutes – enough for straightforward issues but sometimes too short to discuss more complex concerns.
For many patients, this creates frustration, delays in care, and added anxiety. Independent data shows the challenge clearly: in England, around 1 in 6 GP appointments take place more than two weeks after booking – a material delay for non-urgent but worrying concerns.
NHS vs Private GP: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | NHS GP | Private GP (AccessGP) |
| Appointment wait time | Average 10–14 days, 25% wait >2 weeks | Same-day or next-day |
| Consultation length | ~9.2 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| Access hours | Limited (Mon–Fri, office hours) | Flexible, including evenings/weekends |
| Continuity of care | Variable, often different GPs each visit | Option to see the same GP |
| Services | Medically indicated only | Full spectrum, including preventive health, screening, lifestyle reviews |
| Referrals | NHS pathway | NHS or private referrals, depending on need |
| Cost | Free at point of use | Transparent fees; time and access advantages. Our GP consults are £55! |
Why Patients Choose a Private GP
More people are investing in private care for reasons that go beyond speed.
- Faster access – No waiting weeks to be seen.
- Longer consultations – Time to explore concerns fully.
- Convenience – Evening or weekend availability.
- Continuity – The option to build a relationship with the same doctor.
- Preventative focus – Access and speed to early detection through proactive consultation and testing.
In fact, a 2023 YouGov survey found that 70% of UK adults struggle to see their GP during working hours, making flexible appointment times a major factor.
At AccessGP, online GP consultations are £55 – a competitive, transparent fee compared with other private providers charging £70–£120. For many patients, this represents excellent value given the time saved and peace of mind gained.
1 in 6 NHS GP appointments take place more than two weeks after booking.
The Rise of Online GP Consultations
Technology has changed how patients access healthcare. Since the pandemic, over 45% of adults in England have used an online GP consultation (ONS, 2023).
Benefits include:
- No travel time – speak to a doctor from home or work.
- Fast prescriptions – private scripts sent electronically to a pharmacy.
- Flexible care – ideal if you are struggling to reach your own GP, at work, or juggling family commitments.
At AccessGP, we offer online GP consultations, so care can fit around your lifestyle.
Cost vs Value
Private GP consultations costs typically vary depending on location, whether online or in person and other factors. While this is an out-of-pocket cost compared to the NHS, many patients value:
- Time saved waiting for care.
- Peace of mind from same-day reassurance.
- A proactive approach to long-term health.
Note: choosing a private GP doesn’t replace your NHS GP. Many patients use both, depending on need.
70% of UK adults say they struggle to see their GP during working hours.
What You Can Do with a Remote Private GP
- Assessment & management of common conditions (e.g., infections, skin, mental health, women’s/men’s health).
- Private electronic prescriptions sent to a partner pharmacy.
- Medical letters (fit notes, travel, referral letters).
- Diagnostics pathway: your GP can order private tests and interpret results, with follow-up online. (For blood draws, AccessGP use a partner phlebotomy service or a home collection kit – no clinic visit to AccessGP itself and flexible locations if you don’t opt for a home blood test).
- Referral navigation: Advice on NHS or proceeding with private referrals depending on urgency and preference.
Over 45% of adults in England have now used an online GP consultation.
Why Choose AccessGP?
- NHS-trained, GMC-registered doctors.
- Fully CQC-regulated for safety and quality.
- Same-day or next-day appointments, online from £55 (competitively priced)
- Focus on lifestyle and prevention, not just treatment.
A patient-first ethos – we put time back into healthcare. - AccessGP provides same-day and next-day remote GP consultations, private prescriptions, imaging options, referrals, and blood test pathways.
Find out more about us or book your first GP Consultation today.
Conclusion
Choosing between NHS and private GP care doesn’t have to be either-or. If you need fast, thorough medical attention without waiting weeks – or leaving your home – a remote private GP offers a safe, patient-centred route to care. With AccessGP, you can enjoy modern, convenient, and trustworthy healthcare – designed around you.
Key sources: ONS Sept 2024; CQC State of Care 2024; BMJ analyses of consultation length; NHS Digital online consultations. NHS England Digital+4Office for National Statistics+4Care Quality Commission+4