GP Consultations

• Our team of highly experienced GPs have a wealth of medical knowledge and a wide range of special medical interests.
• Our standard surgery GP consultations are up to 30 minutes. Our extended appointment lengths enable us to offer an enhanced level of medical care and ample time for patients to discuss all of their medical concerns.
• Our extended surgery opening hours are designed to support our patients’ busy lives, offering early morning appointments as well as late night and weekend appointments.
• GP telephone consultations are also available, along with video consultations for our Members – in some circumstances, for a full diagnosis, a face-to-face consultation may still be required.
• Our Members benefit from priority access to GP appointments Monday to Saturday inclusive and have the freedom to book a GP consultation without having to pay a fee each time.
• Home visits and out-of-hours consultations at the surgery can be arranged at Beaconsfield for VIP24 and VIP24+ members via our out-of-hours phone number (additional fees apply).
• You don’t have to be a member of DOCTORnow to access our services. You can visit DOCTORnow at any time, whether you are just visiting the area, if you want a second opinion or maybe require an appointment more urgently than you are able to get elsewhere, we welcome everyone.

Referrals

We are able to refer our patients privately to see consultants for expert opinions. Our GPs have excellent knowledge of specialists based both locally and in London.   A consultation with one of our GPs is required before a referral can be made.

As a private GP practice, we are unable to refer directly into the NHS. If an NHS referral is required, our GPs can write to a patient’s NHS GP explaining the reason for a referral request. However, it at the NHS GP’s discretion whether or not they action a referral.

In addition to referrals to specialist medical consultants, we also refer to a range of health related associates who provide the following services:

• Osteopathy
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Counselling
• Audiology Services

Nurse Consultations

Our highly experienced team of practice nurses offer an extensive range of medical care services. Appointments can be booked with our nurses for childhood immunisations, health vaccinations such as Chickenpox; Meningitis B; Shingles; HPV (Gardasil) etc and the complete range of travel health vaccinations.

They also offer medical procedures and health screening including:

• Phlebotomy
• Ear syringing
• Acupuncture (Senior Practice Nurse)
• Cervical Smears
• ECGs (including the fitting of our ambulatory 24 hour ECG recording equipment)
• Blood Pressure monitoring (including the fitting of our ambulatory 24 hour Blood Pressure test equipment)
• Lung function testing (Spirometry)
• Wound dressing
• Suture removal
• Audiogram/Tympanogram
• Cryotherapy
• Vitamin B12 injections (once approved by a GP or Consultant)
• Sleep apnoea testing (results recorded are sent to a consultant for review)

Laboratory Tests

DOCTORnow offers an extensive range of private laboratory tests including:

• Blood tests
• Swabs
• Urine tests
• Cervical smears

It is essential for our clinicians to ensure that all medical tests selected are appropriate for you.

There are a number of reasons why a test may be required, therefore, in most cases you will need to book a consultation with one of our GPs before any blood tests are carried out.

If another healthcare professional e.g. Consultant; Nutritionist etc has advised you, for example, to have your blood tested and will interpret the results for you, mention this when booking as in this circumstance you will only need to book a Nurse consultation (n.b. you will need to bring written details from the healthcare professional who has recommended the tests to the appointment with you, detailing which tests are needed).

Processing of samples and getting your results

• Test samples collected by the secure couriers provided by the private laboratory in London.
• Secure and fast turn-around of results – the vast majority of blood tests require a 4 hour turnaround at the laboratory so in most cases your test results will be available the next day.
• The GP or Nurse will agree with you during your consultation how your results will be communicated and will confirm the timeframe in which you can expect to receive them.

How much do tests cost?

The cost varies depending on the type of test you need.  If you know which test(s) you need, we can give you a price over the phone, alternatively if the clinician advises you which tests you need they will be able to give you an indication of the cost before proceeding.

Fees for blood tests are not covered by membership and are additional to any non –member consultation fees.  All fees are payable on the day.

In House Tests

We are able to carry out the following tests at our surgeries during your consultation. This means that you get the results during your consultation, and can start any necessary treatment quickly. We currently offer the following in house tests:

• Strep A – this helps determine whether or not antibiotics are needed to treat some diseases e.g. upper respiratory tract infections including sore throats and tonsillitis
• Influenza A&B – tests for two types of the influenza virus (including swine flu)
• CRP (C-reactive protein) – checks inflammatory markers which can be an indicator of infection
• Mononucleosis (EBV) – test for Glandular Fever

In addition, an in house colorectal cancer screen test is available following a consultation with one of our GPs.  The patient takes the test kit home and returns it to the surgery for processing by a GP.  Depending on the time of the day the sample is returned to the surgery, results are usually available within 4-6 hours.

Medical Procedures

Here at DOCTORnow we are able to offer a variety of medical procedures to inform diagnosis as well as to help monitor existing conditions. In addition, we also offer medical procedures to help treat already diagnosed conditions. The list below is a selection of medical procedures we are able to offer:

• 24 hour ECG Monitor
  A 24 hour ECG records how well your heart is working over the course of a normal day’s routine, and is used to check for abnormalities in your heart beat such as arrhythmia.
• Acupuncture
  A form of complementary therapeutic medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians). It is used in the treatment of various physical and psychological conditions.
• Ambulatory (24 hour) BP Monitor
  A 24 hour blood pressure monitor is used to measure and record your blood pressure over the course of a normal daily routine. It can be used to diagnose both high (hypertension) and low (hypotension) blood pressure.
• Hearing tests (Audiogram/Tympanogram)
  An audiogram is a type of hearing test that provides a detailed description of your hearing ability and can be used to determine if you are suffering with hearing loss. A Tympanogram is a type of hearing test that primarily provides information regarding middle ear function.
• Cervical Smear
  A cervical screening test is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix.
• Cryotherapy
  Cryotherapy is a technique that uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells that require removal such as warts and verrucae.
• Dressings
  We have a wide range of dressings to suit both simple and complex wounds.
• Ear Syringe
  A build-up of earwax is a common problem that can often be treated using eardrops. If this proves ineffective, ear syringing is a quick and painless procedure where water is pushed in to your ear to wash earwax out.
• ECG
  An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
• Lung Function Test
  Spirometry, one type of lung function test, checks how well your lungs work. This test looks at how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs.
• Serial BP Readings
  Serial Blood Pressure readings allow clinicians to monitor your blood pressure readings over a period of time.
• Sleep Apnoea Test
  Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. Each pause can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and they happen many times a night. In the most common form, this follows loud snoring. There may be a choking or snorting sound as breathing resumes. As it disrupts normal sleep, those affected may experience sleepiness or feel tired during the day. Our sleep apnoea test, which you undergo at home gathers data that will be analysed by a consultant to determine whether or not you suffer from the condition.

For details of the prices of the above, please visit our fees page. Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment or for further information regarding any of our medical procedures, please contact us on 01494 410888.

Childhood Immunisations

The NHS offers a number of vaccinations both as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme and vaccinations for adults. Here at DOCTORnow as well as offering those routine vaccinations privately, we are also able to offer additional health vaccinations not routinely available from, or restricted to particular age groups in the NHS.

Click the link below to view the NHS routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Health Vaccinations

Health vaccinations work by stimulating our immune systems to produce antibodies, thus developing ‘active immunity’ to a number of illnesses and diseases.

We are able to offer vaccinations that are not routinely available on the NHS or are restricted to specific age groups including:

Meningitis B

For protection against meningococcal group B disease which causes meningitis and septicaemia. Meningitis B is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis for children under 5 in the UK. The Men B vaccine is available on the NHS to babies born on or after 1^st July 2015.   Suitable for age 2 months and over.

Influenza (flu)

Each year the influenza vaccine is manufactured to protect against the seasonal strain of flu as recommended by the World Health Organisation. The influenza vaccine protects adults and children at risk of flu and its complications. The flu vaccination is suitable for patients aged 6 months and over. For children under 9 who are having a flu vaccination for the first time, they will require 2 doses x weeks apart.

You can get a free flu jab from the NHS if you meet any of the following criteria

• are 65 years of age or over
• are pregnant
• have certain medical conditions e.g. Chronic long term respiratory disease; chronic heart disease; diabetes; chronic kidney disease – for full details of eligible medical conditions, please visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
• receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

In addition, in the autumn/winter of 2017-18, the vaccine will be available free on the NHS for eligible children, including:

• children aged two and three on August 31 2017 – that is, children born between September 1 2013 and August 31 2015
• children in reception class and school years one, two, three and four
• in some parts of the country, all primary school-aged children will be offered the vaccine (following a pilot in some areas)
• children aged 2 to 17 with long-term health conditions

Chickenpox (Varicella zoster virus)

The chickenpox vaccine protects against the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. It is given as two separate injections with the second dose being administered four to eight weeks after the first dose. This is a live vaccine and is not offered on the NHS.   This vaccine is suitable for patients aged one year and over If a patient has been exposed to chickenpox, the vaccination can still be given up to 5 days after the exposure as this can be effective in reducing the severity of the presentation of the chickenpox virus.

Meningitis ACWY

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is effective in protecting against four different strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis, including the highly virulent Men W strain. Older teenagers and new university students are advised to have the vaccination as they are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats. The vaccine is available on the NHS for certain age groups.

HPV (Cervical cancer) – Gardasil

A vaccine that protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes oral and cervical cancers. This is routinely offered to girls aged 12-13 on the NHS. It is also recommended for girls and boys aged 9-26 years and is available privately.

For those aged between 9-13 years: Two doses required at day 0 then 6-12 months

For those aged between 14-26 years: Three doses required at day 0, 2 months and 6 months

Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)

The pneumococcal vaccine, which is suitable for patients aged 18 and over, protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcal infections are caused by bacteria and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis. The NHS only routinely offer the pneumococcal vaccine to patients aged 65 (or earlier if the patient meets the vulnerable illness criteria set out by the NHS).

Shingles (Herpes zoster virus)

The shingles vaccine offers protection for patients aged 50 and over against the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is a painful skin condition and the vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. The shingles vaccine is only routinely available in the NHS to patients aged 70 OR 78 years.

BCG

For protection against Tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately this vaccine is currently unavailable.

Other Injections

Joint Injection
A joint injection is an injection of local anesthetic and a steroid medication in to a joint with the aim of providing temporary pain relief.

Kenalog (Hayfever)

A Kenalog injection can be given for the treatment and prevention of hayfever symptoms. An initial consultation with a GP is required to ensure the vaccine is suitable for the patient; subsequent appointments can be booked with a nurse.

Nebido (Testosterone replacement therapy)

Nebido is used in male adults to treat low testosterone levels. A consultation with a GP is required to ensure the injection is suitable for the patient.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when a lack of Vitamin B12 causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that can’t function properly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with injections. A consultation with one of our GPs will be required before the first administration of a Vitamin B!2 injection unless the patient can provide written evidence from a recognised health professional that the injections are required. Subsequent appointments can be booked with a nurse.

For a list of our prices, please visit our fees page. Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment or for further information regarding any of our vaccinations, please contact us on 01494 410888.

Prescriptions & Medication

As a private GP service our Doctors can only issue private prescriptions, we cannot issue NHS prescriptions. This means that you will pay for the cost of the medication rather than the NHS prescription fee. Quite often the cost of the medication can be cheaper than the NHS fee, although sometimes it can be more expensive. All pharmacies will fill private prescriptions, however, costs may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.

Existing patients can request repeat prescriptions online via clicking on the icon below and completed the online form.

We can post your prescription to you; you can collect it from the surgery or we can send it direct to the pharmacy of your choice (with the exception of controlled drug scripts which must either be collected or sent by recorded delivery post either to you or to a pharmacy). Alternatively we can arrange for your medication to be delivered to your home or workplace by our pharmacy partner, Totally Pharmacy – please note a delivery fee will apply and payment for both the medication and delivery is made direct to the pharmacy.

We carry a limited stock of common medications at our Beaconsfield surgery, such as:

• Blood pressure medications
• Antibiotics
• Nasal sprays
• Medication to manage reflux

Our Doctors can dispense these to our patients during a consultation as appropriate saving the patient a trip to the pharmacy! All dispensed medication is payable on the day of the consultation.

Please be aware that we cannot accept any unused or out of date medication for disposal at any of our surgeries – you will need to take them to any pharmacy who will be able to dispose of them correctly for you.

Health Screening

At DOCTORnow we believe in supporting and enabling you to proactively manage your health and wellbeing. We work with you to develop individually tailored health plans based on specific risk factors indicated by your lifestyle, time of life, past medical and social and family history to enable you to take control of your health. Having regular check-ups will identify if there are any medical problems – the earlier these are identified, the greater chance there is of a cure or minimising the impact on your health.

Our Wellman and Wellwoman Life Plan screenings provide a head-to-toe screening for degenerative illness. This enables us to not only recommend treatment for your current state of health, but allows us to work with you to create a unique health plan for the next 10 years maximising your chances of remaining healthy. This is a two-stage medical with a nurse and a doctor which includes comprehensive blood tests (the results of which the Doctor will have when you see them), ECG, lung function testing and a cervical smear test for women and a prostate check for men, if appropriate.

Medicals

We offer a range of medicals related to employment and insurance, including:

• Pre-employment Medical
• HGV Driver Medical (existing patients only)
• Fit to Drive Medical
• Fit to Travel Medical
• Fit to Perform Medical
• Racing Driver Medical
• Power Boat Driver Medical

Please note that for some of the above medicals we may require a copy of your NHS medical summary in order to be able to carry out the medical

For information on fees, please visit our Fees page.

Masta Travel Clinic

MASTA are the UK leaders in travel health. At DOCTORnow, our Beaconsfield surgery is a registered MASTA travel clinic. Our experienced nurses are able to administer the full range of travel health vaccinations, including yellow fever (we are a registered Yellow Fever Centre). As a MASTA partner travel clinic,  we also stock a wide range of travel health products.

To find out more information, visit our Travel Health page.

Weight Loss Programme

The PronoKal Method is a personalised weight loss programme under medical supervision, based on a protein diet. The aim is not only to lose weight but to maintain the results in the long term. Throughout the programme patients are supported by a multidisciplinary team of Doctors, dieticians, technicians in physical activity and experts in coaching who help to achieve short and long term weight loss goals. Dr Richard Angwin is a qualified PronoKal Doctor and offers personalised medical support.

To book a PronoKal consultation, call us on 01494 410888.

Fees

To see a list of our current fees and terms and conditions, please click the buttons below. To get a quote for any tests etc. not shown on the list, please call us on 01494 410888.  All fees are payable on the day of your consultation*.

*Please note that if you subscribe to a DOCTORnow Assurance Plan, your consultations with a Doctor or Nurse (including telephone consultations) are covered by your plan– tests, medication and procedures incur additional costs.