If you are wondering “do I need a referral private dermatologist?”, the short answer is no. You can self-refer to see a private dermatologist at The Forbury Clinic. A GP letter is not required to book an appointment.
This can be helpful if you have a skin concern you would like assessed, such as a changing mole, persistent rash, acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss or another problem affecting your skin, nails or scalp. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange a consultation.
There are a few important points to consider if you are using private medical insurance, or if you would like your GP involved in your ongoing care.
Can I see a private dermatologist without a GP referral?
Yes. You can book directly at our private dermatology clinic without seeing your GP first.
Self-referral simply means that you make the appointment yourself. You do not need a GP to write to the clinic before you book.
During your consultation, the dermatologist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, current medicines and any treatments you have already tried. They will assess the area of concern and explain whether any further tests, treatment or follow-up may be appropriate.
A self-referred appointment can give you the opportunity to discuss a skin concern directly with a specialist. It does not replace urgent medical care. If you have severe symptoms, rapidly worsening swelling, difficulty breathing or signs of a serious allergic reaction, call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
How is self-referral different from an NHS referral?
For most NHS dermatology appointments, you would usually speak to your GP first. Your GP would assess the concern and, where appropriate, refer you to an NHS dermatology service. The timing and process will depend on the nature of the concern and local services.
With private dermatology, you can arrange your own consultation. This is known as self-referral.
A GP referral can still be useful in some circumstances. Your GP may have relevant medical records, test results or details of previous treatments that could help our consultant dermatologist Sacha Goolamali understand your symptoms. However, you do not need a GP letter to arrange a private appointment at The Forbury Clinic.
If you are unsure what happens during a consultation, read our guide to what to expect at your first dermatology appointment.
How to book a private dermatologist without a GP letter
To self-refer, contact The Forbury Clinic directly and let the team know that you would like to arrange a dermatology consultation.
When booking, it can be helpful to briefly describe the reason for your appointment. For example, you may have noticed a skin tag or eczema, acne that is affecting your confidence or a recurring fungal nail infection.
The team will then guide you through the booking process and explain what information may be useful before your consultation.
If your appointment is being funded through private medical insurance, check with your insurer before booking. Some insurers require a GP or another clinician’s referral before they authorise cover for a specialist consultation. Others may allow you to self-refer. Your policy terms, level of cover and chosen specialist can all affect this.
What should I bring to a self-referred dermatology appointment?
You do not need to prepare extensive paperwork for a self-referred appointment. Bringing a few key details can help make the consultation as useful as possible.
Consider bringing or preparing:
- A list of your current medicines, including creams, tablets and supplements
- Details of any treatments you have tried and whether they helped
- Information about allergies or previous reactions to medicines
- Relevant letters, test results or clinic notes you already have
- Photographs showing how a rash, lesion or other skin change looked earlier, especially if it comes and goes
- Your insurance authorisation details, if applicable
Avoid applying make-up or cover-up products over the area you want assessed, where possible. This makes it easier for the dermatologist to examine your skin.
Does my GP need to know about my private appointment?
Your GP does not need to be notified before you self-refer to a private dermatologist.
Some patients prefer to keep their GP informed, particularly if they have an ongoing health condition or take regular medicines. With your consent, information from your private consultation may be shared with your GP.
You can ask about this during your appointment if you have a preference about communication with your GP.
Book a dermatology consultation in Reading
You do not need a GP letter to self-refer for a private dermatology consultation at The Forbury Clinic.
If you have a skin concern you would like to discuss, contact our team directly to arrange an appointment.
