Cost of Private Specialist Consultations
across the UK

# Private Specialist Consultations: Trade Body Accreditation Guide

Private specialist consultations in the UK are governed by several key regulatory bodies and schemes that help maintain professional standards. The General Medical Council (GMC) is the primary regulator for all doctors practising in the UK, and specialists must be registered with the GMC and hold the appropriate specialist registration on their medical register. Many private consultants also hold membership with their relevant Royal College, such as the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons, or specialist colleges covering areas like cardiology or psychiatry. Additionally, private practice accreditation schemes like the Independent Healthcare Sector Accreditation and Certification scheme (IHSAC) or Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration provide assurance about the facilities, staff competence, and safety standards of the clinic or hospital where consultations take place. Understanding these credentials helps you identify practitioners and facilities that meet recognised professional and safety benchmarks.

Verifying a provider's credentials is straightforward and essential before booking. You can check any doctor's GMC registration status and specialist registration details directly on the GMC website, which provides information about their qualifications, any disciplinary history, and whether they hold a valid licence to practise. You should also ask the private practice directly whether they hold CQC registration or other relevant accreditation, and reputable providers will freely provide this information. Checking credentials matters because it confirms the consultant has met rigorous training and assessment standards, carries professional indemnity insurance, and operates within a regulated framework where complaints can be formally investigated. It also provides legal recourse if something goes wrong, as accredited providers operate within defined standards of care and governance.

Accredited and regulated specialists typically charge higher consultation fees than unregulated practitioners, sometimes 20–50% more, and this premium is usually justified. The higher costs reflect the consultant's investment in maintaining