A few years ago some people have put off the idea of looking into the private sector for their healthcare because they were worried about the added expense. However, more people are starting to realize the benefits that come with taking their medical healthcare into their own hands by going private.
Despite the indisputable successes of the NHS, and with it being one of the most effective public healthcare systems in the world, with waiting times getting longer, and the patient-to-doctor ratio being higher than ever before, more people are turning to private healthcare for their consultations and treatments, no matter how big or small. Just to give you an idea, here the top 20 private healthcare services in the UK.
- GP Appointment
- GP telephone/video appointment
- Private prescription
- Coronavirus COVID (PCR swab)
- Coronavirus COVID (Antibody)
- MRI scan (1xArea)
- Hep B Vaccination
- Well Person Blood Screen
- Consultation with a consultant dermatologist
- Cervical smear + HPV
- Mole assessment with Dermatologist
- X-Ray (Chest)
- BETA HCG-Quantitative (blood)
- ECHO scan (inc cardiology report)
- Brain & Body MRI- Head, Neck, Full Spine, Abdo, Pelvis
- Prostate Profile Blood Test
- CT Calcium Score Heart Scan
- Testosterone (Blood Test)
- Well Person Health Screening
- Resting ECG
GP appointment
Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK and the rest of the globe in 2020, getting a GP doctor’s appointment at your local surgery wasn’t the easiest thing in the world. But it has become increasingly more difficult to see your doctor in recent months. This is not just because of the lockdown restrictions that the country has faced, but also because of the number of patients requiring an appointment and the backlog of canceled appointments.
Therefore, many people are turning to private healthcare as a quicker way to get an appointment with a doctor and to get their ailment or concerns sorted sooner. I mean you really can’t put a price on peace of mind, can you?
Coronavirus PCR Swab
All our lives have been impacted considerably by the coronavirus pandemic, from where and when we can work, to how we spend our free time, and how often we get to see those we love. So for those who are concerned about our own health and the health of those around us, you can now go to a private healthcare company for a coronavirus test. This is a great way to ensure that you are virus-free before visiting friends and family, while also helping to stop the spread of the virus.
Private coronavirus swabs have also been very popular amongst businesses that are looking to retain some sense of normality and productivity, but while still keeping employees safe. People have also been using private healthcare coronavirus tests to prove that they are fit to fly. Whether you are going abroad for business or pleasure, many countries are now requiring a negative COVID test result before you are allowed entry to prove you aren’t infected.
Coronavirus COVID (Antibody)
With medical professionals warning us that you can have contracted the virus without showing symptoms or even knowing about it, a lot of people have been left wondering whether they have already had coronavirus. By knowing whether you have previously contracted the virus, you can be aware whether your body has some form of immunity to it.
However, with the NHS already under a lot of strain, antibody tests are not currently available for the general public at the moment. So many people are going to private healthcare to try and ascertain how at risk they are of contracting the virus. For example, by having the coronavirus antibody test you can have a clearer idea of how at-risk you are if you return to work. Antibody tests have become increasingly popular amongst businesses who are looking for a large number of appointments so they can test all their employees, in an attempt to get staff back at work and back to normal.
By going to private healthcare for your antibody coronavirus test you can get your results within 24 hours of the lab receiving the sample and receive 100 specificities in your results.
Consultation with a consultant dermatologist
If you suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne, you will be all too aware of how damaging it can be to your self-esteem and confidence. Not to mention the pain and discomfort that it can cause you. So it is no surprise that individuals are seeking out fast access to consultations with dermatologists to help treat their skin conditions.
While you can see a dermatologist with the NHS, waiting times can be as high as 6 months and are even more difficult to secure during the pandemic. At a private consultation, you can discuss any concerns and symptoms that you have and can make the most of skin patch allergy tests and even blood tests to help get the best medication and treatment for your condition.
There are many benefits of private consultations with dermatologists, such as not needing a referral from your GP, and being able to get an appointment at a time and date that suits you, which is why they have become one of the most popular private healthcare services in the UK.
Cervical smear + HPV
Cervical smear tests may not be the most pleasant experience in the world, but they are the quickest and most effective way to pick up any abnormalities in the cervix. Therefore, all women know how important it is to attend their cervical smear test whenever they are invited by the GP.
However, with cervical screening tests only available on the NHS to women over the age of 25, and with thousands of appointments being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, many women are going private for their cervical smears to ensure that any changes in cells are detected early to prevent the development and progression of cervical cancer.
With private healthcare systems now offering more services than ever before, and with the pandemic putting more strain on the NHS, it is hardly surprising that more people are looking to private healthcare for some of the most routine healthcare services.
