Can a GP Write a Private Prescription?

This guide explains whether a private prescription is valid and what the limitations of a private prescription are (if any). It further talks about the difference between an NHS prescription and a private prescription, and whether pharmacies treat private prescriptions differently from NHS prescriptions. The guide talks about the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK and explains whether private GPs can prescribe them in a private prescription. The blog concludes with a few commonly asked questions regarding GPs writing private prescriptions.

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Can a GP Write a Private Prescription

A private prescription refers to a private assessment and private medication, where you pay the fee for the medicine as well as the consultation. Yes. A GP can write a private prescription. If you’re deciding between a private GP prescription and an NHS GP prescription, just understand that a private prescription involves a process outside the NHS, and the NHS process includes the rules and policies.

Is a Private GP Prescription Valid Compared to an NHS GP Prescription?

Yes. A private GP prescription is fully valid. An NHS GP prescription is also valid. They’re both the same, as both of the prescriptions come from qualified health professionals. The difference is only in the management of the private and NHS health sectors.

Pharmacies don’t care that your prescription was issued by a private GP or an NHS GP; they only care that the prescriber is registered and qualified, the medicine meets legal requirements, and was prescribed after an assessment.

Can I Get a Private Prescription From My GP?

Sometimes patients ask can i get a private prescription from my GP to speed things up. Many NHS areas publish limits on when NHS prescribers can issue private prescriptions to their own registered NHS patients, and it discourages using private scripts to bypass NHS prescribing rules. Your NHS GP may say no to this request.

The solution? Book a consultation with a private GP to get a private prescription after an assessment and pay privately. If you were referring to this procedure, then yes. You can get a private prescription from your GP.

Why Choose a Private GP Prescription?

A private GP prescription comes quickly and gives you more control over the whole process.

Faster access when you need a decision now

If you need treatment quickly, private appointments are often easier to secure and can be done within a day.

More time for explanation and a plan

Private GP consultation gives you peace of mind as the doctor talks to you about your condition, prescribes the medicines, and explains what it is for, what to watch for, and when to review.

Can private GP prescribe antibiotics?

If your health condition demands an antibiotic within safe limits to help you. A private GP can prescribe antibiotics after assessment. Safe prescribing standards apply the same way as the NHS.

Can a private GP prescribe repeat prescription?

After reviewing your health condition and progress with the medicines, they can prescribe a repeat prescription as long as it’s needed. However, it requires a complete review of the health and clear documentation that supports their decision.

Can GP prescribe private physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy isn’t called a prescription. It’s a referral to a physiotherapist where your GP explains that you need private physiotherapy because of your health conditions. Yes, they can give you a referral, or they can just ask you to go to a physiotherapist witha self-referral.

NHS GP vs Private GP: Which Route Should You Use?

Feature	NHS GP Prescriptions	Private Prescriptions
Who issues it	NHS GP (or eligible NHS prescriber)	Private GP (or eligible private prescriber)
Where it can be dispensed	UK pharmacies	UK pharmacies
Cost of the medicine	NHS prescription charge (or free if exempt)	Full pharmacy price paid by the patient
Consultation cost	Usually free at the point of use	Paid private consultation fee
Speed to appointment	Can be slower depending on availability	Often faster with flexible booking
Prescribing rules followed	NHS guidelines and local formularies	GMC prescribing standards and private clinical judgement
Choice of medicine or brand	Sometimes limited by NHS formularies	Often more flexible, still safety-led
Repeat prescriptions	NHS repeat system with periodic reviews	Possible with private review and renewal fees
Monitoring and follow-up	Integrated within NHS services	Managed privately, may require separate private tests
Switching to the NHS later	An NHS GP may not automatically continue it	NHS continuation depends on policy and clinical judgement
Best suited for	Long-term treatment and affordability	Faster access and private care pathways

Use an NHS GP route when

You want ongoing NHS care and NHS prescriptions.
The medicine is normally prescribed on the NHS, and you meet the criteria.
You need long-term support.

Use a private GP route when

You need faster access.
You want a private consultation and accept private prescription costs.
You need a private letter or referral paperwork quickly.

Conclusion

Going through all the limitations that come with private and NHS healthcare is complicated, but this guide clearly answers how a private GP can refer to the NHS. How does that affect waiting times and normal procedure protocols?

If you’re unsure about how to combine private care with NHS services, it’s always a good idea to discuss your options with both your private GP and your NHS GP to find the best solution for your health needs.