What is a Specialist Referral Letter?
A specialist referral letter is an official medical document issued by a doctor that refers you to a consultant specialist or diagnostic service for further assessment and treatment. It provides the specialist with your medical history, symptoms, and the reason for referral.
Referral letters can be issued by registered medical practitioners including GPs, hospital doctors, and registered doctors working in telehealth services like FastDoc. Each referral includes the doctor's clinical assessment, recommended specialist or service, and their GMC registration details.
Private hospitals and specialists accept referrals from any GMC-registered doctor, regardless of whether they are your usual GP. FastDoc's referral letters meet all requirements and are accepted by private healthcare providers nationwide including major groups like Spire, Nuffield, BMI, and independent specialists.
Access Private Specialists Faster
Can't get a GP appointment? Need faster access to private specialist care?
FastDoc connects you with a GMC-registered UK doctor who reviews your case and issues your specialist referral letter digitally - straight to your inbox.
Use your referral to book with any private specialist or diagnostic service in the UK. No lengthy waits for GP appointments, no chasing your surgery. Just fast, professional referrals when you need them most.
Specialists & Services We Cover
Get referrals to a wide range of medical specialists and diagnostic services.
Medical Specialists
Cardiology, dermatology, ENT, gastroenterology, orthopaedics, neurology, and more.
Diagnostic Services
MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic imaging.
GMC-Registered Doctors
All referrals issued by qualified UK doctors with full GMC registration.
Fast Delivery
Same day delivery if ordered before 8pm, or top of the queue with priority service.
Accepted Nationwide
Accepted by Spire, Nuffield, BMI, and independent private hospitals across the UK.
Insurance Compatible
Referrals suitable for use with private medical insurance claims.
How It Works
Complete the Online Form
Answer a few simple questions about your symptoms and medical history. Takes 5-10 minutes.
Doctor Reviews & Issues Letter
A GMC-registered UK doctor reviews your case and issues your referral letter to your email.
Book Your Appointment
Use your referral letter to book with any private specialist or diagnostic service in the UK.
Common Specialties
Cardiology
Heart and cardiovascular specialists
Dermatology
Skin, hair, and nail specialists
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Hearing, sinus, and throat issues
Orthopaedics
Bone, joint, and muscle specialists
Neurology
Brain and nervous system specialists
Diagnostic Imaging
MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray scans
Plus many more specialties including gastroenterology, urology, gynaecology, respiratory medicine, and endocrinology.
Accepted By Major Private Healthcare Providers
The FastDoc Promise
Doctor-Certified
Every referral signed by a GMC-registered UK doctor
Widely Accepted
Accepted by private hospitals and specialists nationwide
Fast Delivery
Same day if ordered before 8pm, or top of the queue with priority
Fixed Price
From £44.95 with no hidden fees or surprise charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Will private hospitals accept this referral letter?
Yes. Our referral letters are issued by GMC-registered doctors and are accepted by all major private healthcare providers in the UK including Spire, Nuffield, BMI, HCA, Bupa, and independent specialists. FastDoc referrals meet all requirements for private specialist consultations and diagnostic services.
How quickly will I receive my referral letter?
Delivery speed is selected at checkout. Standard service (£44.95) delivers your referral the same day if ordered before 8pm. Priority service (£59.95) puts you at the top of the queue for fastest processing. Once issued by one of our GMC-registered doctors, your referral is sent directly to your email as a PDF.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. FastDoc is designed for situations where getting a GP appointment is not possible or practical. Our GMC-registered doctors assess your case remotely based on the information you provide - no in-person consultation needed. The referral letter they issue is just as valid as one from your GP for private healthcare.
Will my insurance accept FastDoc referrals?
Yes, our referrals are issued by GMC-registered doctors and are accepted by private medical insurance providers. Always check with your insurer about specific requirements, but FastDoc referrals meet standard criteria for insurance claims.
What if the doctor doesn't think I need a referral?
If our doctor determines a referral isn't clinically appropriate based on your case, you'll receive a full refund and an explanation. Clinical safety and appropriateness always comes first - we will not issue referrals that aren't medically justified.
Can I use this instead of an NHS GP referral?
Our referrals are for private healthcare only. If you want NHS treatment, you'll need to go through your NHS GP. FastDoc referrals help you access private specialists and diagnostic services faster.
What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide your personal details, details of your symptoms or medical condition, any relevant medical history, and which type of specialist or diagnostic service you need to be referred to. The more detail you provide, the better our doctors can assess your case.
Is my information kept confidential?
Absolutely. Your data is encrypted, securely stored, and only accessed by the doctor reviewing your case. We are fully GDPR compliant and never share your information with third parties without your explicit consent.
Get Your Specialist Referral Today
Standard delivery same day if ordered before 8pm for £44.95. Choose priority service at checkout (£59.95) for top of the queue processing.
Get Your Referral Now - From £44.95