Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What sort of medical problems can you advise me on? Show 
A. In brief, any problem you might otherwise see your NHS GP about, literally anything. If you are not sure if it is appropriate to use our service then Contact Us.
Q. Can I claim on my Private medical insurance? Show
A. This depends entirely on the kind of insurance you have. If you are a visitor to the UK then almost certainly you will be able to. Many UK policies do not cover private GP services but we suggest you contact your insurer. You may for example be advised you can have physiotherapy at the expense of your insurer but they may not cover the cost of the GP consultation. You will always be issued with a receipt before you leave the medical centre. If you are referred by Cambridge Private Doctors to a specialist you would normally be eligible to have all specialist fees paid. Always check with your insurer.
Q. Do you inform my NHS GP or Practice about my visit to Cambridge Private Doctors? Show
A. Generally we would like your GP to be kept informed of any important clinical findings, advice on medication etc…. in order that your central NHS record is updated. Our service is complimentary to that of your GP. If however you wish your consultation to be kept confidential and not communicated back to your GP we would always respect your wish unless, in our opinion, your health could be seriously compromised if your GP was not informed. We would inform you of this view first.
Q. How long after a blood test or investigation will it be before I get the result and how will I be informed. Show
A. Generally within 24 to 48 hours. This depends on a number of factors including the kind of investigation requested. The doctor will inform you at the consultation of the time it is likely to take. Some tests can take much longer to be analysed. The doctor will discuss with you how you prefer to receive the results. This could be by phone , post or fax. There remain concerns about the security of email. In many cases you may need to see the doctor again in which case the results will be given to you at the next appointment.
Q. What about prescriptions? Show
A. If you need a medication a private prescription will be issued. The prescription should be taken to any dispensing chemist. You will be charged for the cost of the medication BUT in many cases this may be cheaper than the standard NHS prescription charge. Your doctor at CPD should inform you if there is a need to prescribe anything which is unduly expensive.
Q. What if I need tests not shown in your website? Show
A. It is not possible to list every medical investigation. The website demonstrates some of the more commonly requested tests and investigations. Every effort will be made to give you an exact cost before you undergo an investigation.
Q. What is your policy on payment? Show
A. Cambridge Private Doctors will ask you to settle your account on each attendance. In rare circumstances (mainly where the cost of an investigation needs to be researched) payment will be deferred or paid in part. Payment is by cash, card or cheque supported by a cheque guarantee card. You will always be issued with an invoice and receipt. If you are claiming on insurance you will normally make payment on the day and claim this back from your insurer.
Q. What if I need to be referred to a specialist? Show
A. If you need to see a specialist you will be asked if you wish to be seen privately or on the NHS. In the latter circumstance we may need to write to your NHS GP and if he/she agrees and is prepared to refer you. If you wish to be seen privately by a specialist we can discuss your needs and the most appropriate person for you to see. The GPs at Cambridge Private Doctors have worked in the area for many years and have excellent professional relations with many of the local specialists. You may already know a specialist in which case we will write to them on your behalf. A fee of £20 is levied to cover secretarial and administration costs.
Q. Do you provide a home visiting service? Show
A. No, it is not part of the service offered as we cannot guarantee to be available when a visit is required. We will keep this under review.
Q. Do you need to see my NHS GP notes? Show
A. No, we can act on the information you are able to provide for us. In fact this happens every day when patients attend A + E or their out of hours service. In the unlikely situation that we require more information we would ask your permission to speak with your GP.
Q. What is your policy on patient confidentiality? Show
A. Confidentiality is paramount. Information provided by you to your physician at Cambridge Private Doctors will be stored electronically on a secure medical database. Information about you will not be given to any other party without your express consent. The only exception would be if records were requested by a court. We do however prefer that you permit us to share information with your GP (see Our staff are exposed to some confidential medical information from time to time and they are bound by the rules of confidentiality.
Q. I wish to travel abroad, what travel vaccinations do I need. Show
A. The website has extensive information on this but is not absolutely comprehensive. At Cambridge Private Doctors we have access to professional medical travel websites and can give you up to date advice so long as you are able to confirm where you will be travelling. There is no charge for a travel consultation provided you purchase immunisations or travel medication such as malaria prophylaxis.