You are allowed to ask your GP to refer you for specialist treatment on the NHS, but a referral is not automatic. You have the right to ask your GP for a NHS e-Referral appointment with me (NHS e-Referral replaced the Choose and Book system) as an NHS patient at the Horder Centre, Crowborough, or the McIndoe Hospital, East Grinstead (but not my practice at HCA, London). The referral often then comes with the funding required for me to treat you as an NHS patient. Even if you decide to see me privately, which you can do without a referral, it is still worthwhile getting a letter from your GP because he/she will be able to provide information about your medical history and details that I should be aware of. Nevertheless, this is not essential.