Can a Private Dermatologist Refer You to the NHS?

Many patients who choose to see a private dermatologist are often unsure how this decision might impact their care under the NHS. A common question that arises is: “Can a private dermatologist refer me to the NHS?” This concern is particularly relevant for those who initially opt for private consultations in order to access specialists more quickly, obtain a second opinion, or explore treatment options that may not be immediately available through the NHS.

The simple answer is yes a private dermatologist can provide a referral to the NHS. However, the process comes with certain nuances that patients should be aware of. For instance, the NHS does not automatically accept all private referrals. Acceptance often depends on several factors, including the nature and urgency of your condition, the level of detail in the referral letter, and the specific NHS service or pathway you are trying to access.

It is also important to understand the distinction between referrals initiated by your GP and those provided by private specialists. While NHS GPs are the standard route for referrals, private dermatologists can supplement this process by providing a professional assessment and a detailed referral letter. This letter can outline your diagnosis, previous treatments, and the reasons why specialist care is necessary, helping NHS clinicians make informed decisions about your care.

In this article, I will explore how private dermatologists can provide referral letters, explain when the NHS is likely to accept them, and offer practical guidance for patients who want to navigate this system effectively. By understanding these steps, you can ensure a smoother transition between private and NHS care, avoid unnecessary delays, and make the most of the options available to you.

It is also worth noting that using private dermatology services does not limit your access to NHS treatments in the future. Many patients use private consultations to expedite initial assessments or obtain specialised tests, and then continue their care within the NHS system. By keeping thorough records of consultations, test results, and any treatment plans recommended privately, you can provide NHS clinicians with a complete picture of your condition. This approach can help reduce duplication of tests, clarify your medical history, and ultimately support faster, more coordinated care.

How Private Dermatologist Referrals Work

When you consult a private dermatologist, one of the key benefits is that they can provide a formal referral letter recommending you for further investigation or treatment within the NHS. This can be particularly helpful if you initially sought private care for faster access, specialised diagnostics, or second opinions. A well-prepared referral letter acts as an official record of your diagnosis, medical history, and recommended course of action, which helps NHS clinicians make informed decisions about your care and ensures a smoother transition between private and public healthcare systems.

A private dermatologist’s referral letter usually contains several important elements:

• A detailed medical history of your skin condition: This includes information on the onset of your symptoms, how they have progressed over time, previous treatments or medications you have tried, and any relevant personal or family medical history. A thorough medical history allows NHS clinicians to quickly understand your condition and its context, which can be particularly valuable for chronic or complex skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, or rare dermatological conditions.
• Findings from examinations and tests performed privately: Private dermatologists often carry out in-depth investigations, such as dermoscopy, skin biopsies, blood tests, or specialised imaging, which may not have been completed through NHS channels. Including these results in the referral letter can help prevent unnecessary repetition of tests, saving time and allowing NHS specialists to focus on treatment planning rather than diagnosis.
• Suggested treatment or specialist recommendations: Based on their assessment, private dermatologists may propose a specific treatment plan, such as topical therapies, phototherapy, or surgical intervention, or recommend consultation with a particular NHS consultant. While the NHS is not obliged to follow these recommendations, the information helps prioritise care and informs the decision-making process, especially for urgent or complex cases such as suspected skin cancers or severe inflammatory conditions.

Once the referral letter is ready, there are different ways it can be submitted, depending on local NHS procedures:

• Submission through your GP: In most cases, the referral letter is provided to your GP, who will formally refer you to the appropriate NHS department or specialist. This ensures the referral is recorded within NHS systems and is considered as part of your ongoing medical care.
• Direct submission to an NHS consultant: In some areas or for certain urgent cases, it may be possible to submit the referral directly to an NHS consultant. This is more common when a condition requires specialised attention, such as complex dermatological surgeries or suspected malignancies, and can sometimes reduce waiting times.

It’s important to note that while NHS acceptance of private referrals is generally possible, it is ultimately at the discretion of the NHS clinician. They may review your private assessment, consider additional NHS protocols or guidelines, and determine whether further testing is required before starting treatment.

By providing a comprehensive and well-documented referral letter, private dermatologists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between private and NHS care. This helps patients access timely treatment, reduces duplication of tests, and ensures that the NHS team has all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care. For patients navigating both private and public healthcare, understanding this process can help avoid confusion, minimise delays, and provide reassurance that their condition is being managed appropriately.

When the NHS Accepts Private Referrals

While the NHS primarily relies on referrals from GPs, it can and often does accept referrals from private dermatologists under certain circumstances. Understanding when a private referral is likely to be accepted can help patients plan their care more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.

The NHS may accept a referral from a private dermatologist if several key conditions are met:

• Referral to a specialist consultant in the relevant area: The referral is more likely to be accepted if it is directed to an NHS consultant who has expertise in the specific area of concern. For example, if you have a suspected skin cancer, a referral to an NHS consultant specialising in dermatological oncology would carry more weight than a general referral. This ensures that the patient is seen by the right specialist for their condition.
• Recognition of the private dermatologist’s credibility: NHS trusts or GPs may be more inclined to accept referrals from private dermatologists who are recognised as qualified and experienced professionals. Credentials, professional memberships, and reputation within the medical community can all influence how NHS clinicians view the referral.
• Comprehensive documentation and clinical notes: Detailed medical history, examination findings, test results, and suggested treatment plans all make a referral stronger. The more thorough the referral letter, the easier it is for NHS clinicians to assess the patient’s needs and make informed decisions without repeating investigations. Well-documented referrals can speed up the triage process and help prioritise urgent cases.

It is important to note that acceptance of private referrals is not uniform across all NHS trusts. Policies and procedures can vary depending on the region, the specific NHS hospital, or even the individual consultant. Some trusts may require the referral to go through your GP as an intermediary, while others may allow direct submission from a private specialist. Checking the local policy beforehand can help avoid unnecessary delays or confusion.

In practice, private referrals are most commonly accepted for conditions that require urgent attention, complex treatments, or specialised expertise not readily available through standard NHS pathways. Examples include suspected skin cancers, severe psoriasis cases, or rare dermatological disorders. By understanding how and when private referrals are accepted, patients can make informed decisions about combining private and NHS care to ensure timely and effective treatment.

When You Might Still Need a GP Referral

Even if your private dermatologist provides a referral letter, it’s important to understand that many NHS services still require a GP to formally submit the referral. This is because the NHS generally operates on a system where GPs act as the gatekeepers for specialist care. Submitting the referral through your GP ensures that your case follows the official NHS pathway, which can directly influence waiting times, eligibility for certain treatments, and how urgently your case is prioritised.

There are several situations in which involving your GP is essential, even after receiving a private referral:

• Submitting the private referral through your GP: In most NHS regions, your GP must receive the referral letter from your private dermatologist and officially forward it to the appropriate NHS department or consultant. This step ensures that your case is recorded in NHS systems, and that you are formally placed on the waiting list for treatment. Without GP submission, your private referral may not be recognised within the NHS system.
• Review and discussion with your GP: It is often beneficial to schedule a discussion with your GP about the private referral. Your GP can review the letter, verify that all essential information is included, and confirm that the referral is directed to the correct NHS specialist. This helps prevent delays caused by incomplete documentation, misdirected referrals, or misunderstandings about the urgency of your condition.
• Ensuring comprehensive documentation: To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure that the referral letter includes all relevant details. This should cover your full medical history, examination findings, test results, and any treatment recommendations suggested by your private dermatologist. Bringing along supporting documents such as blood tests, biopsy reports, or imaging results can further strengthen your referral and allow your GP to submit a complete package to the NHS.
• Clarifying NHS pathways and waiting times: Discussing your case with your GP can also provide clarity about what to expect in terms of waiting times and treatment options. GPs can advise on which NHS pathways are appropriate for your condition, whether urgent referral categories apply, and any steps you can take to avoid delays.
• Facilitating communication between private and NHS care: Your GP acts as the bridge between private and NHS healthcare. By coordinating information from your private dermatologist with NHS protocols, they help ensure that your care is continuous, avoiding duplication of tests or treatments. This is particularly valuable for complex or chronic skin conditions, such as severe eczema, psoriasis, or suspected skin cancers, where timely intervention is important.

In short, while private dermatologists can provide detailed referrals, involving your GP is often necessary to ensure your case is formally recognised by the NHS. Working closely with both your private specialist and GP allows for smoother coordination, quicker access to care, and a reduction in administrative errors. By taking these steps, patients can make the most of both private and NHS services, ensuring timely, efficient, and well-informed treatment for their skin conditions.

Tips for Navigating Both Private and NHS Care

Managing care across both private dermatology and the NHS can sometimes feel complicated, but with careful planning and organisation, you can ensure a smooth experience and timely treatment. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate both systems effectively:

• Keep clear records: Maintaining an organised file of all your medical documents is essential. Retain copies of referral letters from your private dermatologist, consultation notes, test results, biopsy reports, and any other relevant information. Having all these documents on hand not only makes it easier to share information with your GP or NHS specialists but also reduces the risk of delays due to missing records.
• Communicate proactively with your GP: Inform your GP that you have consulted a private dermatologist and provide them with all relevant documentation. This allows your GP to understand your medical history, review the private referral, and submit an accurate NHS referral if required. Open communication also ensures that your GP can coordinate your care effectively, avoiding duplication of tests or treatments.
• Confirm NHS policies: NHS referral policies can vary between trusts and even between departments. Some NHS trusts may accept private referrals directly, while others will require the GP to formally submit the referral. Checking local policies ahead of time can save you unnecessary back-and-forth and help you understand the steps you need to follow. Your private dermatologist’s office can often provide guidance on local practices as well.
• Plan for timing: Even with a referral, NHS waiting times for specialist dermatology appointments can be long, depending on your condition and location. If your condition is urgent or significantly affecting your quality of life, consider whether private treatment for certain procedures or investigations is appropriate while you wait for NHS care. This approach can help you manage symptoms more effectively and maintain continuity of care.
• Coordinate between private and NHS care: Where possible, try to keep all parties informed about your ongoing treatment. Sharing updates from the NHS specialist with your private dermatologist or vice versa can help ensure that treatment plans are consistent and safe. This is particularly important for chronic or complex conditions, where adjustments in therapy may be required.
• Stay organised and proactive: Keeping a timeline of appointments, tests, and referrals can help you track your care and avoid missed deadlines. Proactive patients who maintain accurate records and communicate clearly with both private and NHS providers are more likely to receive timely and effective treatment.

By following these tips, you can navigate both private and NHS care more confidently. Clear records, proactive communication, and understanding local policies allow you to make informed decisions about your treatment, minimise delays, and ensure that your care is coordinated across both healthcare systems.

Final Thought: Bridging Private and NHS Dermatology Care

Seeing a private dermatologist does not prevent you from accessing NHS care. In fact, private specialists can write referral letters that help your GP or NHS consultant understand your condition better, potentially speeding up diagnosis or treatment.

At the London Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, our expert Dermatologists in London can provide comprehensive assessments, detailed referral letters, and personalised advice to navigate both private and NHS pathways seamlessly.

References

1. British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Getting Treated – Going Private, 2018. Available at: Skin Health Info. [Online]. Available: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/getting-treated/going-private/ (Accessed: 22 September 2025).
2. NHS.uk, Referrals for Specialist Care, last reviewed 12 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/referrals-for-specialist-care/ (Accessed: 22 September 2025).
3. London Dermatology Centre, How Private Dermatologists Work with the NHS for Surgery, 21 July 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk/blog/private-dermatologist-nhs-surgery-referral/ (Accessed: 22 September 2025).
4. The Guardian, It took my patient six years to see me – a dermatologist (NHS crisis), 19 October 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/views-from-the-nhs-frontline/2015/oct/19/patient-six-years-see-dermatologist-nhs-crisis (Accessed: 22 September 2025).