Is Online GP Access Important for Private Practices?

Online access has become a core part of how patients interact with healthcare. For NHS GP practices, it is now a requirement: every NHS practice must keep their online consultation system open during core hours, and millions of patients are booking appointments, ordering prescriptions, and viewing records digitally.

But what about the private GP sector? While they are not bound by the same government rules, the growth in online usage across the NHS has reshaped patient expectations. This raises an important question: how important is GP online access for private GPs?

How Online Access Works in NHS General Practice

The NHS has made online access a priority. Patients can now:

• Submit online consultation requests
• Book appointments digitally
• Order repeat prescriptions
• View parts of their medical records
• Use the NHS App for most interactions

This system aims to improve access, reduce phone queues, and help practices manage demand more effectively. With the vast majority of NHS practices now offering online access, the public has become familiar—and increasingly comfortable—with digital-first contact.

Private GPs Are Not Required to Offer Online Access

Unlike NHS surgeries, private GPs are not part of the national GP contract, meaning they do not have to provide online consultation tools or record access. They can operate however they choose: in-person only, phone-based, or fully digital.

However, the rapid rise of NHS digital usage has influenced what patients expect from healthcare providers in general. Many private clinics now find that patients want the convenience and immediacy they experience through the NHS App.

Why Online Access Matters for Private GPs

Although not mandatory, online access can offer several advantages to private GP providers:

1. Meeting Patient Expectations

Patients are increasingly used to the NHS App, digital triage forms, and online booking. When they approach a private GP, they often expect similar convenience. Offering online access helps private clinics match the level of service patients now view as standard.

2. Attracting Younger, Tech-Confident Patients

Many private GP users fall into two categories: those wanting faster access than the NHS, and those who prefer convenience. Online booking, instant messaging, and virtual appointments appeal strongly to this demographic.

3. Improved Efficiency for Clinics

Online systems can streamline operations by reducing phone call volume, supporting triage, and allowing clinicians to gather information in advance. This can lead to more efficient appointment scheduling and shorter waiting times.

4. Supporting Hybrid Care

Private GPs often offer longer appointment times and personalised care. A hybrid model—combining online access with face-to-face appointments—allows patients to choose what suits them best, improving the overall service.

5. Competitive Advantage

The private healthcare market is growing, and many clinics now compete on convenience. Providers that offer seamless digital access can stand out from those relying solely on phone bookings or walk-ins.

Does Every Private GP Need Online Access?

Not necessarily. Some private GPs focus on traditional, in-person, relationship-based care. These practices may not rely on digital tools to attract or manage patients.

However, for most private providers—especially those in cities or offering fast-access services—online access is becoming increasingly important. Patients often choose private care to avoid delays, and digital tools support that expectation.

Conclusion

While online access is mandatory for NHS GP practices, it is becoming just as valuable for private GPs, even if not required. As patients grow more familiar with digital healthcare through the NHS App, they naturally expect similar options from private providers.

For private GPs, offering online booking, digital consultations, and easy communication is no longer just a “nice to have”—it is an opportunity to meet evolving patient expectations, remain competitive, and streamline day-to-day operations.

In a healthcare landscape where convenience matters more than ever, private GPs who embrace online access can deliver a modern, patient-centred service that aligns with how people now prefer to manage their health.