Private Providers Policy

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Every patient has the right to choose private care if they wish.  Some private specialists accept self-referrals from patients, whereas others insist on a GP referral first.

In this instance, if your GP agrees that a referral is necessary, they can provide a referral letter.

We would advise that when choosing a private provider to ensure they are appropriately trained and regulated and can arrange any necessary tests privately and arrange any private prescriptions. 

There may be circumstances where Courtside Surgery clinicians are not able to continue the private prescription recommended, this may include: (list not exhaustive).

• When it is not included in the BNSSG local formulary
• Lack of familiarity or competence in the use of a medication 
• When the medicine is used outside of its agreed license
• When it is felt to be not needed or not appropriate
• When the medication falls under shared care

What is shared care?

This is an agreement between the specialist, GP and patient to take over the prescribing of certain medication. These medications will require a stabilisation period, and regular monitoring would generally be required.  There also needs to be an ongoing specialist review with the private provider.  

Unfortunately, as a practice, from 1st May 2025 we are unable to accept any further shared care arrangements with private providers, as we are unable to support the prescribing and ongoing monitoring of such medications and there is no guarantee of ongoing private provider review.  As such your private provider will need to continue to supply ongoing prescriptions.

This does not apply to NHS shared care patients.

Similarly, if Courtside Surgery receive requests from private providers to arrange tests or investigations, this falls outside the scope of NHS primary medical services, therefore, you will need to make arrangements with the private provider for these.