The short answer: no, you do not need a GP referral to see a private gynaecologist in the UK. You can book an appointment directly with a consultant gynaecologist for any women’s health concern, with no NHS paperwork required. This guide explains why patients ask this question, when a referral might be useful, and what to expect when you book privately at AristoGp.
Why Patients Ask This Question
Most NHS specialist care requires a GP referral, and many patients assume the same applies privately. It does not. Private gynaecology practice in the UK is regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), but no referral is needed for most consultations. You can book directly through online booking systems, by phone, or in person.
Patients sometimes also confuse this with insurance requirements. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a GP letter before authorising treatment — that is a different question, addressed later in this guide. If you are paying directly for your care (self-pay), no referral is needed.
NHS Gynaecology Pathway vs Private
To understand why patients turn to private gynaecology, it helps to compare the two pathways:
NHS Pathway
- See your NHS GP first (typical wait: 1–2 weeks for non-urgent appointment)
- GP refers to gynaecology if symptoms warrant specialist input
- Wait for first consultant appointment (typical wait in London: 12–24 weeks for non-urgent referrals)
- Possible diagnostic tests (ultrasound, bloods) — often a separate appointment
- Follow-up consultation
Private Pathway at AristoGp
- Book online directly (no referral)
- Initial 45-minute consultation with Dr Mermigka, often within the same week
- Same-day pelvic ultrasound where clinically appropriate
- Diagnosis and management plan in one visit
- Written report shared with your NHS GP if you wish
The private pathway is not “better medicine” — the NHS provides excellent gynaecology care. The difference is speed, continuity (you see the same consultant throughout), and the ability to combine consultation, examination, and ultrasound in a single visit.
When a GP Letter Might Still Be Useful
Although a referral is not required, a brief GP letter can occasionally be helpful:
- Complex medical history — if you have multiple long-standing conditions or take several medications, a brief GP summary saves time at your private appointment.
- Previous test results — if you have had recent NHS investigations, a GP can share these with us.
- Insurance pre-authorisation — most private medical insurers require a GP referral letter before they pay for specialist care.
- Continuity with NHS care — if you want findings to feed back into your NHS records, a referral letter helps establish that link.
That said, none of these are required to book. You can attend a private consultation without any paperwork at all.
What to Bring to Your Private Appointment
To get the most from a private gynaecology consultation, it helps to bring (or have ready):
- A list of your symptoms, when they started, and how often they occur
- Your menstrual cycle dates (last period, typical length)
- A list of any medications, supplements, or hormonal treatments you are using
- Any relevant previous test results (smear results, ultrasound reports, blood tests)
- Photographs or written notes of anything you find difficult to describe
- A list of questions you want to ask
None of these are essential — Dr Mermigka takes a full history at the appointment — but having them ready makes the most of your 45 minutes.
Insurance Considerations
If you have private medical insurance (Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, or similar), you may want to use it to cover your gynaecology consultation. Most insurers require:
- A GP referral letter
- Pre-authorisation from the insurer (a code)
- The consultant to be recognised by your insurance company
If you intend to claim through insurance, contact your insurer first to confirm your policy details and obtain a pre-authorisation code. Then check that the clinic is recognised by your insurer. If you are paying directly (self-pay), you can skip all of this — just book online.
Private Gynaecology Pricing at AristoGp
For self-paying patients, AristoGp offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees:
- Initial consultation (45 min): £180
- Consultation + same-day pelvic ultrasound: £270
- Follow-up consultation: £100
- Smear test: £150
- Menopause consultation: £200
- Well Woman Check (consultation, examination, bloods, ultrasound): £340
For full pricing across all our services, see our pricing guide. Payment is taken at the time of booking or at the end of your consultation.
About AristoGp
AristoGp is a private gynaecology and GP clinic in Central London EC1, run by Dr Anastasia Mermigka (Consultant Gynaecologist, GMC 7640566) and Dr Georgios Schoinas (GP MRCGP, GMC 7632510). Located at 1-5 Portpool Lane, EC1N 7UU — five minutes from Chancery Lane Underground station.
Services include female gynaecology, menopause care, cervical screening, pelvic ultrasound, and private GP appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a private gynaecologist without telling my GP?
Yes. Your private appointment is confidential. You are not required to inform your NHS GP, although we recommend it for continuity of care — particularly if any treatment, prescription, or follow-up is initiated. We can send a written report to your NHS GP at your request.
How quickly can I be seen privately?
At AristoGp, most patients are seen within the same week of booking, often within 24–48 hours for urgent concerns. Online booking shows live availability, so you can choose a slot that suits you.
Will my insurance cover a private gynaecology consultation?
Most private medical insurance policies cover gynaecology consultations. You will usually need a GP referral letter and pre-authorisation from your insurer. If you are unsure, contact your insurer before booking.
What if I want to switch from NHS to private mid-investigation?
You can do this at any point. Bring any NHS letters, scan reports, or test results to your private appointment, and Dr Mermigka can pick up where the NHS left off — often saving weeks or months of waiting.
Can a private gynaecologist refer me to NHS care if needed?
Yes. If your situation requires NHS treatment (such as major surgery), Dr Mermigka can write a detailed referral letter to support an NHS referral via your GP. The private assessment often shortens NHS pathway times because the diagnostic workup is already complete.
Book a Private Gynaecology Consultation
Book online with Dr Mermigka — no GP referral required, same-week appointments available.
