HealthInfo Canterbury
Seeing another GP
Your GP may refer you to another GP to help you with a particular health issue. You may wonder why this is happening.
Some GPs have particular knowledge and experience in special health procedures, such as removing skin lesions, or particular conditions, such as severe acne or some women's health conditions. Often that expertise isn't offered within the public hospital system.
Your GP is referring you to one of these GPs so you can benefit from their expertise. The alternative would be for you to pay for an appointment with a private specialist.
Seeing another GP for a special health procedure
Some GPs have particular knowledge of and experience in certain health procedures. These include:
- inserting an IUD, Mirena, or another intra-uterine device
- pipelle biopsies
- removing skin lesions
- sleep studies
- steroid injections
- injections for treating osteoporosis (zoledronate infusions).
Treatment
The new GP will only see you for the issue your GP has referred you for. For most issues, they'll just see you once. After they've treated you, the GP will send a letter to your usual GP, outlining any tests you've had. This means your usual GP can continue treating you.
Payment
You'll have to pay a fee for the consultation with the other GP. It may be subsidised so the fee is small, or you may have to pay a full charge. Ask your GP what you'll have to pay.
Next steps
If you need follow-up (such as wound dressing), your usual GP will do this. Your usual GP will also let you know the results of any tests.
Seeing another GP about a particular condition
Treatment
Your GP may refer you to another GP who has expert knowledge about a particular condition, such as acne, or some women's health conditions. You may visit this GP several times, but only for the specific condition your doctor has referred you for.
Payment
You'll have to pay a fee for these consultations and your first appointment will probably be longer than usual so may cost more.
Next steps
After they've treated you and you don't need any further consultations, the GP will send a letter to your own GP, outlining any tests you've had and any medications they've prescribed. This means your own GP can continue to treat you.
If you need another specialist appointment or further treatment, your own GP will arrange this.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2021.
First photograph courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Review key: HIGPS-132164
