GPs in your area don't know what you offer, so they refer elsewhere
Most UK consultants receive the bulk of their referrals from a small fraction of their GP contacts. The remaining local GPs either don't know you exist or don't know your full range. That's a significant untapped source of patients.
- steps
- 8
- steps
- to start
- 2 hours
- to start
The short answer
Most GPs refer privately to names they already know or to whoever the patient asks for. List the practices within reach, find out which already refer, and send the rest a short, specific letter saying what you treat, how fast you can see patients and how to refer. Follow it with something useful, such as a short education session, and repeat yearly.
8 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 8 done
Use the NHS website service search to list GP practices within 30 to 45 minutes of your clinic. Add practice manager and partner names from each practice website
- Time
- 2 hours
- Typical cost
- Free
- Who does it
- Your secretary
Done when: A spreadsheet of every practice with address and contact
This problem is Solvable.
Copy this letter
GP introduction letter
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
[Your name] Consultant [Specialty] [Clinic address] [Phone] [Secure email]
[Date]
Dear Dr [Name] and colleagues,
Private [specialty] clinic at [location]: what I see and how to refer
I am a consultant [specialty] at [NHS Trust] and see private patients at [hospital or clinic], [town].
Conditions I see
- [Condition 1]
- [Condition 2]
- [Condition 3]
- [Procedure or diagnostic test]
How quickly New patients are usually seen within [number] working days. Urgent concerns can be discussed with me directly on [phone].
Fees and funding Self-pay new consultation: £[amount]. I am recognised by [insurers].
How to refer Email [secure email] or send a letter to the address above. A brief letter is enough. My secretary will contact the patient within one working day.
After I see your patient You will receive a clinic letter within [number] working days, with a clear plan and anything you need to do.
I would be glad to give a short lunchtime or online session for your practice on [topic, for example when to refer suspected X]. Please reply to this letter or call my secretary, [Secretary name], on [phone].
Yours sincerely,
[Your name] GMC number [number]
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Sending a CV instead of a list of conditions and how to refer.
- Writing to the practice generally instead of naming the practice manager and partners.
- Offering generous hospitality, which risks GMC conflict of interest concerns.
- Slow or missing clinic letters back to the referring GP, which ends referrals quickly.
- Writing once and never following up.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll look at how you reach local GPs and show you where referrals are slipping
What I need from you
- Your answers to 8 quick questions
- Your specialty and town
What you get
- Where GPs are likely losing track of you
- A simple yearly outreach plan
- A letter structure you can use this month
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Benchmarks
One new referring GP can be worth 3 to 6 new private patients a year in many specialties
Solvable estimate: varies widely with specialty and local insured population. Not a published figure
Solvable estimate
With Bupa open referral the GP decides the type of consultant and Bupa offers a choice of up to three recognised consultants. Some Bupa policies allow claims without a GP referral for muscle, bone or joint problems, suspected cancer symptoms or mental health
Shows why GP letters naming you matter less for some insured patients
Source: Bupa
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I solve this one for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is it acceptable to market to GPs?
Yes, if the information is factual and you do not offer inducements. Keep hospitality modest and relevant to education.
Should I write to every GP or the practice manager?
Both. The practice manager decides what gets circulated, the GPs make the referral.
Do insured patients still need a GP referral?
Usually, but not always. Under open referral the GP names the type of specialist and the insurer offers a shortlist, so a GP letter naming you may not decide where the patient goes. Some policies, such as some Bupa policies, allow claims without a GP referral for certain conditions. Patients should check with their insurer.
Will education sessions count as GP CPD?
Often yes, if they are clinical and not promotional. Offer a short certificate.
How often should I write?
Once a year, plus when something changes, such as a new clinic or service.
Last reviewed:
Sources
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