Do I need a referral from my GP before I can see a cosmetic surgeon?
If you’re considering any type of cosmetic surgery, you’ll no doubt have many questions you would like answered. One of the things you may be wondering is what the relationship will be between your cosmetic surgeon and your GP.
More specifically, most people may wonder whether or not they will need their GP to provide a referral before they can progress with their surgery of choice.
Do I need a GP referral before the initial consultation?
You will generally be able to make an appointment for an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon without a referral from your GP.
This first session will be to talk about the procedure(s) you wish to explore and to begin to assess your suitability for it/them. This will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
Depending on the type of operation you would like, your cosmetic surgeon will probably ask your permission to contact your GP. This will be so that they can arrange access to your medical history, to ensure that they are fully information about your medical background before you go under the knife.
At this stage, depending on that nature of the planned work, surgeons may ask for a GP referral before any subsequent sessions are undertaken.
Why does the surgeon need to speak to my GP?
Contacting your GP is an important safely precaution – it is imperative for your surgeon to know if you have had any previous treatments or operations that may impact on how they perform the surgery.
Awareness of any allergies or unexpected reactions (for example to any particular drugs or anaesthetics) will also be key to ensuring that the procedure runs as smoothly as possible.
If you are planning on having treatment covered by a medical insurance policy, it is important to check with your policy provider whether or not they require a GP’s referral before the work is undertaken. Some will require you to use a cosmetic surgeon recommended by your GP, so it is important to ascertain this as part of the early stages of planning for your procedure.
If you are considering a cosmetic procedure with Mr Alan Park and wish to understand whether a GP referral is required, get in touch and you will be advised accordingly.