Established practice
There are more consultants in private practice than at any time in five years. Why would a patient pick you?
11,600 consultants were active in private practice in early 2026, the most in five years. With more choice, patients pick the consultant who's clearest about what they do best.
Is this you? Tap any that are true.
Most people reading this tick at least one.
It only takes one to cost you.
- steps
- 8
- steps
- to start
- 2 hours
- to start
The short answer
PHIN counted 11,600 active consultants in private practice in Q1 2026, the most in any quarter for five years, while admissions grew by under 1%. More consultants are sharing a flat market. The consultants who keep their share are the ones a GP or patient can describe in one sentence, and who can be seen quickly.
What good looks like
Your profile, before and after
Known for two or three specific conditions
- Improved: One clear reason to choose you
- Improved: GPs know what you're best at
Illustrative sample, not a real person or result.
8 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 8 done
Pull 12 to 24 months of new patients by month, referral source and condition from your practice system or diary. Note where the dip started and which source fell.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Typical cost
- Free
- Who does it
- You or secretary
Done when: You can say which referral source and which condition has dropped
This problem is Solvable.
Copy this table
Positioning worksheet and competitor grid
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
My numbers
| Quarter | New patients | GP referrals | Self-referral or web | Insurer directed | Colleague referrals | Top condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Q] | ||||||
| [Q] | ||||||
| [Q] | ||||||
| [Q] |
Local competitor grid
| Consultant | Hospitals | What they lead with | Next new appointment | Self-pay consultation fee | Reviews (count) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] | |||||
| [Name] | |||||
| [Name] | |||||
| Me |
My positioning
GPs should send me patients with: [condition 1], [condition 2], [condition 3]
The reason to choose me: [one line, factual and supportable]
How fast I can see a new patient: [x] working days
Profile opening line
"[Name] is a consultant [specialty] at [Hospital] who specialises in [condition 1] and [condition 2]. [One-line reason]. New patients are usually seen within [x] days."
Checklist
- Website homepage updated
- Hospital profile updated
- PHIN profile checked
- Doctify and other directories updated
- Google Business Profile updated
- Insurer listings checked
- LinkedIn headline updated
- Top ten GP practices contacted
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Responding to new competition by cutting fees before checking whether price is actually the reason.
- A profile that lists every condition in the specialty, so nobody knows what you are best at.
- Claiming to be "leading" or "the best". GPs ignore it, the GMC says information you communicate must be accurate and not misleading, and the ASA treats unqualified superlatives as claims that need evidence.
- Letting the wait for a new appointment drift to four weeks while a newer colleague offers next week.
- Not knowing which referral source has dropped, so effort goes in the wrong place.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll search your specialty and town as a patient would and show you how you compare
What I need from you
- Your name and specialty
- The town you practise in
- Two or three conditions you want to be known for
What you get
- Screenshots of who appears ahead of you
- How you compare on fees, reviews and speed
- The changes that matter most
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
11,600 active consultants
Q1 2026, more than in any quarter over the previous five years
Source: PHIN private market update
Under 1% admissions growth
247,495 admissions in Q1 2026 against 246,550 in Q1 2025
Source: PHIN private market update
Self-pay admissions up 7.7%
Q1 2026 against Q1 2025, highest recorded level
Source: PHIN private market update
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
Should I lower my fees to compete?
Not as a first move. Check whether you are losing on price, speed or visibility. Most consultants lose on speed and clarity, not fee.
Will narrowing my focus lose me other work?
Rarely. GPs still send general cases to people they know. A clear focus gives them a reason to remember you.
Can I use PHIN data on my outcomes?
Yes, if PHIN publishes it for you. Quote it accurately and link to it. Do not compare yourself with named colleagues.
How do I find out who is new?
Hospital consultant directories, PHIN's consultant search and the hospital's own new consultant announcements. The hospital executive team will often tell you if you ask.
Is self-pay growth worth chasing?
On PHIN's figures, self-pay admissions rose 7.7% in Q1 2026 against Q1 2025 while insured admissions fell 2.6%. Clear self-pay prices are worth having alongside insured work.
Last reviewed:
Sources
The Solvable community
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