Why Are GP Services So Important For You And Your Family? 

GPs provide millions of families with essential healthcare services and support every year. Read on to discover more about the importance of seeing your GP regularly and find out about the benefits of private healthcare.

The importance of GP services and health consultations for families

Ensuring you and your family see a GP regularly is beneficial in a number of ways. Here’s just a few ways GPs can help you and your loved ones:

Catch illnesses early on

Going to the GP means you’re more likely to catch illnesses early on and have a better chance at treating them. For potentially life-threatening diseases such as cancer, getting a diagnosis early on can make a big difference to your prognosis – and this is where GPs can help.

Check ups and essential services

Your GP can provide you with a number of essential services. These will cover:

Blood pressure
Body mass index (BMI)
Physical exams
Counselling
Cancer screening
Colorectal
Skin
Breast (women)
Cervical (women)
Testicular and Prostate (men)
Eyesight
Hearing 
Immunisations
Tetanus, Diptheria (Tdap)
Influenza
Pneumococcal
MMR
Meningococcal
Varicella
Shingles
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Haemophilus Influenza Type B

Knowledge of your medical history

Visiting the same GP regularly will ensure you are seeing a medical professional who knows you and your medical history. Over time you can build a trusted relationship with your GP. A strong relationship with your GP will help to ensure you are getting care and treatment from someone you trust – this will make you feel much more reassured about the entire process. After all, establishing an ongoing relationship with a GP is a lifelong investment for you and your family’s health. 

Preventative and general health advice from an expert

A regular GP is trained to assess, treat and advise you on various physical and mental symptoms.  They will usually be the first point of contact for most health issues throughout your life. They don’t just treat coughs and colds – they’re among the best resources for providing science-based information for preventative care and living a healthy lifestyle.

Chronic medical conditions

General practitioners can help you manage a range of chronic medical conditions. A GP can also complete a healthcare plan specific to your needs and requirements, meaning your treatment will be tailored individually for you. This makes them an important contact for accessing resources and other services that may be useful for managing your medical conditions.

Children’s healthcare services

Going to a GP is the best way to care for the health of your child. From immunisations to advice on cold and allergies, you will be rest assured that your child’s medical needs are met.

The benefits of private healthcare

Private healthcare can offer you bespoke services that aim to make your life so much easier. Here’s just a few benefits you can expect to see:

Longer consultations

When you have an appointment with a private GP, it will be available at a time that is most convenient to you and you also benefit from a shorter waiting time. The majority of private GP practices offer a consultation time of about 30 minutes, or even an hour if it is needed. By having this length of time, you can speak to your doctor, discuss your concerns, be examined if necessary, and have your ailments thoroughly investigated. Your private GP will completely discuss your family and personal medical history in order to completely assess the condition you are in and refer you to a specialist if necessary. 

Flexibility

With a private GP, there tends to be a lot more flexibility when it comes to extending appointments and consultation times. This means that you can book your appointment for the early morning, during lunchtime, the evening, or even on the weekends. Some private GPs even offer their services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; if you have a doctor on call every hour or every day, including the holidays, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you are in safe hands regardless of when you fall ill.

Efficient services

Private GP practices usually have access to the very best technology, diagnostics, consultants, and health specialists available; this means that referrals from your private GP tend to be a lot quicker, and the turnaround time for test results can also be a lot quicker. Some blood tests can even be returned the same day, if they are sent off early enough. From a private service getting quick blood tests, flu vaccinations or sound dietary advice cannot be easier.

Bespoke treatments

When compared to a normal non-private GP, private GPs are usually able to provide treatments that are tailored to your exact needs and requirements. Normal GPs could be restricted to what is available on the NHS, and not have access to the same consultants and treatments that a private GP does. Additionally, you will also often have a choice of which GP you would like to see, whether it is for personal reasons or you simply prefer a male or female doctor. Similarly, you are more likely to be able to see the same doctor every time that you visit the practice, building on the relationship that you have and the personal experience that you have.

Regular blood tests:

There’s always the potential of lurking health problems that aren’t yet apparent. These types of health problems are often diagnosed with a blood test. Having blood work done can help hedge health problems such as high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, anaemia, HIV/AIDS, and heart disease. Blood tests can also help you be assured that your liver, kidneys, and other organs are healthy and happy.

You’ll stay informed and in control

When it comes to private healthcare, you are in control. You drive your body every day to be healthy or to be sick based on the choices you make. What you eat, how you exercise (or if you exercise), and what you do to take care of your mental health all play into how well your body will perform. Taking time for regular checkups with a private physician or a doctor can help you stay informed about your health and help you make important decisions. You’ll have all the information you need to know how to improve your health.

Home visiting options

Private GPs are also more likely to perform home visits if they are required; if you would prefer them to do so, they can provide a consultation or examination in an environment that you are most comfortable in. You can also request things to be carried out at your location of choice, including blood tests, travel vaccinations, and health checks covering a well women and well man clinic.

Range of payment options

Paying for your treatment is often more affordable than you think. You’ll often be provided with a number of payment options designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. Whether you choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, you’ll be guided through the process, provided with clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment, so you can focus primarily on sorting out your health.

Private GP consultations with Duality Health

With Duality Health, you have access to trusted healthcare services 7 days a week to keep you safe and healthy. Our reliable online booking system and on-hand administrative staff mean you quickly receive qualified medical opinions and treatment. That is why Duality Health is the destination of choice for those seeking Private Healthcare in Northern Ireland.

We offer a wide range of services to individuals, families and businesses seeking out-of-hours care, a detailed GP consultation, surgical procedures, or a bespoke medical examination. Our highly experienced clinicians always provide an exceptional confidential service in a relaxed, friendly and safe environment, so contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.