Advanced Practitioner
Private Advanced Practitioner appointments in Plymouth
Tamar Health offers private Advanced Practitioner appointments in Plymouth from £40, with same-day availability and no referral needed. An Advanced Practitioner (AP) is a senior healthcare professional — typically a Nurse, Paramedic or Allied Health Professional. They have completed postgraduate clinical training to Masters level. As a result, they can independently assess, diagnose and treat patients. They can also prescribe medications, arrange investigations and refer to specialists.
How does an Advanced Practitioner compare to a GP?
This is not a junior role. In fact, across NHS hospitals and GP practices, Advanced Practitioners run their own clinics independently. They manage the same presentations as GPs. The difference, however, is in the training pathway — not the quality of care.
What our Advanced Practitioners are qualified to do
Our Advanced Practitioners hold advanced clinical qualifications and are registered with a professional regulatory body — the NMC or HCPC. In addition, every AP at Tamar Health practises within the NHS Advanced Practice framework. Here is what that means for you:
Diagnose conditions
Our APs take a full clinical history, examine you thoroughly and reach a diagnosis independently — the same process as a GP appointment.
Prescribe medication
Our APs are independent prescribers. They can prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, steroids and a wide range of other medications where clinically appropriate.
Arrange blood tests
Blood tests can be requested and taken at the same appointment. Results are reviewed by your clinician with a clear, plain-English explanation.
Refer to specialists
Where a specialist opinion is needed, our APs can write referral letters to consultants and arrange onward care through private or NHS pathways.
Recognise & escalate
Our APs are trained to identify presentations that need urgent or higher-level care and will always advise you clearly on the most appropriate next step.
Request & review private scans
Our APs can refer you for private ultrasound (USS), X-ray (XR) and CT scans at a choice of providers — and review your results with you in a follow-up appointment, explaining findings clearly and advising on next steps.
Conditions and concerns we commonly see
Our APs manage a wide range of acute and routine presentations. The following are among the most common reasons patients book:
- Chest infections, coughs and respiratory illness
- Urine infections and UTI symptoms
- Ear pain, blocked ears and hearing changes
- Sore throat, tonsillitis and mouth problems
- Skin infections, rashes and dermatological concerns
- Eye infections and conjunctivitis
- Sinusitis and upper respiratory infections
- Nausea, vomiting and digestive complaints
- Sprains, soft tissue injuries and minor wounds
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue, low energy and vitamin deficiency
- Blood pressure checks and cardiovascular queries
- Women’s health — cystitis, thrush, cervical health and hormonal queries
- Men’s health — testosterone, sexual health, prostate awareness
- Prescription requests for known conditions
- Lifestyle review — diet, weight, exercise and wellbeing
- Mental health — anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout
- Health screening and routine health checks
- Allergy concerns and hay fever management
- Sleep problems and fatigue assessment
- Review of private scan results — ultrasound, X-ray and CT
Ready to book?
Same-day and next-day appointments often available. From £40. No referral needed.
Book now Contact usWhat to expect at your appointment
Every Advanced Practitioner appointment at Tamar Health Plymouth follows the same thorough structure. There is no 10-minute clock. You will, therefore, have enough time to explain your concern properly and ask any questions you have.
History taking
Your AP will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history, current medications and any relevant family history. This is the foundation of a good consultation.
Examination
Where appropriate, your AP will carry out a physical examination — checking ears, throat, chest, abdomen, skin or whatever is relevant to your concern. This is done with care and explained throughout.
Assessment and diagnosis
Your AP will explain what they have found clearly and in plain language. If further investigation is needed — such as a blood test or swab — this can usually be arranged at the same appointment.
Treatment and next steps
Your AP will prescribe medication if appropriate or arrange a referral. You will leave with a clear plan and know exactly what to do next. There are no vague outcomes.
Appointments take place at our clinic in Estover, Plymouth, with free parking on site. The clinic is easily accessible from the A38 and A386, serving patients across Plymouth, Tavistock, Ivybridge, Saltash and surrounding areas of Devon and Cornwall.
Pricing
We believe good healthcare should be accessible. That is why our Advanced Practitioner appointments in Plymouth are priced to give you fast, expert care — without the cost of a private GP appointment.
Are there any additional costs?
All prices are fixed and confirmed before you book. There are no hidden charges. Prescriptions issued are private prescriptions, paid for at your pharmacy. For a full list of our service fees, visit our service fees page.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AP as qualified as a GP?
An AP and a GP have different training backgrounds. However, they have comparable clinical capability for most presentations. A GP completes a medical degree, then a specialist GP training programme — typically 10 or more years in total. An AP, on the other hand, completes their professional degree in nursing, paramedicine or allied health, followed by advanced clinical training to Masters level. Both are qualified to independently diagnose, treat and prescribe. For most everyday health concerns, therefore, an AP will deliver exactly the same outcome.
Will my NHS GP know I attended?
We recommend sharing a clinical summary with your NHS GP. This supports continuity of care. However, this is entirely your choice — we will never share your information without your consent.
Can I get a prescription at my appointment?
Yes. Our APs are independent prescribers. They can prescribe a wide range of medications — including antibiotics, antivirals and steroids — where clinically appropriate. Prescriptions are private prescriptions, which are paid for at the pharmacy.
Can my AP refer me to a specialist?
Yes. Our APs can write referral letters to consultants. They can also arrange onward care via private or NHS pathways. If you need a two-week-wait cancer pathway referral, your AP will advise you on how to access this through the appropriate NHS route.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
It is helpful to bring a list of your current medications and supplements. You should also bring any recent test results or letters. If you are having a fasting blood test, avoid food for 8–10 hours beforehand — water is fine. Otherwise, no special preparation is needed.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend. Please let us know when booking if you need additional space or any accessibility support.
What if my concern needs a GP?
Our APs know their clinical scope well. If your concern requires GP-level input, your AP will tell you clearly. They will also help you identify the right route — whether that is our GP service when it launches, a private specialist, or your NHS GP. You will never be left without a clear plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. You can book online or call our reception team directly. There are no waiting lists and no referral is needed.
Do you see patients from outside Plymouth?
Yes — our Advanced Practitioner clinic in Plymouth is easy to reach from across Devon and Cornwall. We regularly see patients from Tavistock, Ivybridge, Saltash, Liskeard, Launceston, Bodmin, Newton Abbot, Totnes and beyond. There is free on-site parking, and the clinic is accessible from the A38 and A386.
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- Lifestyle review — diet, weight, fatigue and wellbeing
- Health screening — a full clinician-led health check
- Ear wax microsuction — both ears £65
- Service fees — all our prices, upfront and transparent
- Contact us — not sure which appointment to book? We’ll help.
Book an AP appointment today
Same-day and next-day appointments often available. From £40. No referral, no waiting list, no hidden fees.
Book now Contact us