Do I Need a GP Referral for a Private Scan?
Whether you’re worried about unexplained symptoms or want to take a proactive approach to your health, a private scan can help you get the answers you need. Depending on the type of scan, you may need a private scan referral from your GP.
Here, we’ll explore which healthcare scans are available with and without a GP referral and why.
Why have a private healthcare scan?
If you have symptoms that need investigating with a diagnostic scan, NHS waiting lists can leave you worrying for longer than needed.
Private diagnostic scans allow you to take control, skip the wait and get peace of mind as soon as possible. Plus, you can choose the time, day and location that work best for you.
If you don’t have any symptoms but want clarity about your health, you won’t be able to have a scan on the NHS. However, at Vista Health, patients can get fast access to a private scan to monitor their health and take a preventative approach.
All of our scans are performed by a trained healthcare professional to ensure high image quality and accurate results. Your care team will let you know how to prepare for your scan and support you on the day.
Types of private scans available
The main types of scan available on the NHS are also available privately – you can have a private scan even if you’re on an NHS waiting list for a scan.
Private scans include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerised tomography), X-ray and ultrasound.
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of the inside of your body. CT also creates highly detailed images of the body part being scanned, but it uses X-rays and computer technology.
Both MRI and CT can create high-resolution scan images of your soft tissues, internal organs and bones. However, MRI has better contrast resolution (better for distinguishing between tissues) and CT has better spatial resolution (good for looking at fine details and closely spaced objects).
X-rays create 2D images of the inside of your body but are not suited to imaging soft tissues. X-rays are best suited to imaging bones. They use lower levels of ionising radiation than CT.
An ultrasound scan also creates 2D images of the inside of your body but uses high frequency sound waves. It’s good at detecting superficial tissue injuries but not at imaging deep inside the body as ultrasound waves do not travel well through bone or air.
Self referral options for private scans
You can self refer for a private ultrasound scan,MRI scan or Echocardiogram as these scans do not use any ionising radiation.
At Vista Health, you can phone or book online for your self referral, and choose one of our nationwide imaging clinics.
Which scans need a GP referral?
CT scans and X-rays need a specialist clinician or GP referral.
Although the levels of radiation used in X-rays and CT scans are generally considered low and safe, you should avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation unless there’s a clinical need.
This is why a doctor will need to assess your symptoms to determine if a scan is needed and which scan is most appropriate.
What is a GP referral?
A private GP referral is a letter from your GP explaining why there is a clinical need for you to have a specific scan.
When booking a private scan that needs a GP referral, you will need this referral letter. At Vista Health, the scan referral letter will be reviewed before your scan appointment is confirmed.
You can also book a private GP consultation with Vista Health. Our expert GPs will discuss your concerns, medical history and symptoms to determine whether you need a scan and refer you for the appropriate scan.
Private scan results
We aim to provide your scan results within 3 working days. You’ll receive a written report via email. The report will be overseen by a Consultant Radiologist, so you can rest assured you’ll receive expert insights from highly qualified doctors and allied healthcare professionals.
You can request that your results are also sent to your NHS GP. Any notable findings will be highlighted in the report. You can then follow-up with your NHS GP or book a private GP consultation with Vista Health.
If your scan shows abnormal results, your GP will discuss the next steps, whether that involves further tests to diagnose health conditions, or specialist care or treatment.
Don’t wait to get your scan
Do you need a private ultrasound scan, private MRI scan or private Echocardiogram? With Vista Health, there’s no need to wait. Simply self refer today and book an appointment online to start your health journey.
Think you might need a private CT scan or private X-ray? Our Vista Health GPs are ready to help. Book a private GP consultation to find out if you need an X-ray or CT scan and get your GP referral.
Sources
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/ct-scan-vs-mri--what-is-the-difference.h00-159616278.html