Relationship between GP and Private Consultants

[Sim Two]

If an individual goes to their GP with a medical condition that he/she considers should be looked at privately by a Consultant, how does the GP decide which consultant in the relevant field should that person be referred to?

Why does the GP pick a particular consultant from the large number of cardiologists, urologists etc who have private practices?

Does the GP get a fee/retainer from the consultant for each patient referred?

 

[ci1]

I did wonder this before. Why would they pick one consultant when there is probably a lot more specialising in the particular field.

It could be that they have stuck with the same one over the years or know of a particularly reputable one that comes recommended. Or as you suggest maybe they get a fee but would we not know that if it was happening.

For the past 2 times I have asked to be referred to consultants for different things I have asked the doctor to give me a list of at least 6-7 different ones so that I can ring them all to get the nearest appointment (timewise) as some of them have long waiting lists.
Also then you can you choose your location also.

 

[lightup]

I could be wrong, but I don't think most consultants are that short of patients that they need to give kick backs to GPs.

From personal experience GPs would either refer you to the relevent department in a hospital and allow them to assign a consultant or refer you to someone they have had previous dealings with.

I know some GPs actively cultivate good personal relationships with certain consultants in the hopes of getting more prompt appointments for their patients.

I am open to correction to all of the above, it is just an opinion formed from social conversations with doctors.

 

[truthseeker]

my own GP tends to ask me if I have a particular preference (either for a consultant or location) and if not gives me a few names to go off and do what ci1 says and check the waiting list times, then she addresses the letter to whoever I choose.

 

[Gordanus]

The GP either knows specialists they think are good, or picks one out of a hat aka Irish Medical Directory

I'm not sure, but I *think* referral fees are illegal.

or at any rate unethical. Maybe someone here knows for sure?

 

[brid1977]

GPs do not get commision from consultants, unless there are some very dodgy doctors around doing this (totally unethical IMO and don't think the medical council would be too impressed either). Who is chosen usual depends on the GP's previously experience of the consultant - this could be from feedback from other patients, treatment of previous patients, maybe hearing the consultant speak at a medical meeting or knowing them from college or having worked with them. There is a directory of consultants published every year and new consultants setting up in private practice often send out a letter to GPs outlining their experience, treatments offered etc.

 

[Simeon]

The above seems a very good synopsis. Was with my GP a few times in Oct/Nov. She made an appointment with the Surgeon. I assumed that it was because of a close working relationship. Almost like an honest garageman that you have complete faith in. After all we are full of moving parts.

 

[becky]

I am friendly with a GP and he informed me that he refers a lot of his patients to a particular Consultant because he rates him highly. He bases this on the letter the consultant writes to him regarding the treatment and follow up.

 

[Complainer]

Don't underestimate the importance of the GP's 'gatekeeper' role in terms of access to consultants. A good GP will be able to recommend 2 or 3 consultants relevant to your case. If your case is unusual or complex, a good recommendation is worth its weight in gold, and should get much better outcomes than a Golden Pages type search.

If you have particular criteria (e.g. urgency, cover by particular insurers), let your GP know this when you are getting the recommendation.

 

[Megan]

Some GPs may have being in college with someone that went on to be a consultant. My GP once sent me to someone he knew from his college days. When the consultant open my GP's letter he said to me Billy (my GP's name to me is William) has come up in the world with that fancy letter head paper. I thought it a bit silly for a consultant to make such a comment.