GP OR AP?
What is a General Practitioner (GP)?
A GP is a medical doctor who has completed extensive medical training to become a specialist in general practice. GPs must complete a medical degree, followed by a two-year foundation programme, and then a minimum of three years of GP specialty training.
To become a qualified GP, doctors must pass specialist exams. This represents a minimum of 10 years of training after leaving school.
What is an Advanced Practitioner (AP)?
Advanced practitioners are experienced, registered healthcare professionals who are educated to master’s level or equivalent, with advanced skills and knowledge that allow them to expand their scope of practice.
Advanced practitioners are highly-trained health professionals who can assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, treat a variety of health problems and prescribe medications, and refer patients to specialists.
Key Similarities
Both GPs and Advanced Practitioners can:
– Assess and diagnose patients presenting with new, undiagnosed symptoms
– Prescribe medications including controlled drugs
– Order investigations such as blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests
– Examine patients and perform physical assessments
– Provide sick notes and medical certificates
– Refer patients to specialists or secondary care when needed
Choose a GP For:
> Complex medical histories
> Multiple urgent concerns
> Chronic conditions that have worsened
> Situations requiring comprehensive medical assessment
> When you specifically want to see a doctor
Choose an AP For:
✓ Acute infections (chest, urine, throat, ear)
✓ Urgent illness
✓ Minor conditions needing assessment
✓ Single problems
✓ When you need the fastest available appointment
Both GPs and APs Can:
✓ Examine and diagnose
✓ Prescribe medications
✓ Order blood tests and investigations
✓ Provide sick notes and certificates
✓ Refer to specialists if needed
| What They Can Do | GP | ACP |
| Diagnose Conditions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prescribe Medications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Order Blood Tests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arrange X-Ray / USS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Provide Sick Notes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refer to Specialists | ✓ | ✓ |
| Treat Acute Illness | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manage Chronic Conditions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mental Health Consultations | ✓ | Limited |
| Complex Health Consultations | ✓ | Limited |
| Minor Skin Procedures | ✓ | ✓ |