Advanced Practitioner or GP?
Which appointment do I need?
Most everyday health problems can be managed by an Advanced Practitioner. Here is what that means, what we can help with, and when you need a doctor.
The difference
Advanced Practitioner or GP?
Not a doctor. A senior clinician, often from a nursing, paramedic or allied health background, with advanced training and wide experience. In this setting, can assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe and refer for most everyday problems.
A doctor with a medical degree and specialist GP training. Best for complex problems that affect several parts of the body, and for formal medical reports. Your NHS GP is always there for these.
How do they compare?
| Advanced Practitioner | GP | |
|---|---|---|
| Is a doctor | No | Yes |
| Can diagnose | Yes, for most everyday problems | Yes |
| Can prescribe | Yes, within their scope | Yes |
| Can arrange blood tests and scans | Yes | Yes |
| Can refer to specialists | Yes, privately, or through your NHS GP | Yes |
| Medical reports, such as DVLA | No | Yes |
| At Tamar Health | Available now, from £45 | Not offered at the moment |
Book with us for
An Advanced Practitioner is right for:
- Chest, urine, ear, throat and skin infections
- Rashes and skin problems
- Ear pain, blocked ears and ear wax
- Coughs, colds and flu-like illness
- Blood tests and health checks
- A health assessment or health MOT
- Repeat medicines for a known condition, after a review
- Women’s health, such as cystitis and thrush
- Men’s health, such as Testosterone and prostate
- Low mood, anxiety, stress and sleep
See a doctor for:
- Formal medical reports and medicals, such as DVLA or insurance
- Complex problems affecting several parts of the body
- Pre-surgery assessments
- Controlled drug prescriptions
If you book with us and need a doctor, we will tell you and help you take the next step.
Not an emergency service
Injuries and emergencies.
We do not treat injuries such as sprains, broken bones or head injuries. For these, go to a minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre, or call NHS 111.
If it is an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
Still not sure?
Send us a message. Tell us what is going on and we will say whether we are the right place. We aim to reply the same day.
Send Us A MessageQuestions people ask
About Advanced Practitioners and GPs.
Advanced Practitioners
Is an Advanced Practitioner as good as a GP?
They are different roles. Advanced Practitioners are not doctors, and are not as qualified as a GP. They are senior clinicians with wide training and experience, and for most everyday problems they can assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe. When you need a doctor, they will tell you.
What does Advanced Practitioner mean?
It is the NHS term for senior clinicians from nursing, paramedic and allied health backgrounds who have advanced clinical training, usually to Masters level. They are registered with their professional regulator, such as the NMC or HCPC.
Is it the same as a nurse practitioner?
The terms are sometimes used loosely. Advanced Practitioners have usually done further training, to Masters level, and work with more independence.
Booking
Can I book a GP appointment with you?
Not at the moment. Please book an Advanced Practitioner appointment. If your concern needs a doctor, we will advise you on the best route.
Do I need to register with you?
No. Anyone over 18 can book. You stay registered with your NHS GP.
Will my NHS GP be told?
Only if you want them to. With your consent, we send a summary to your GP if we have an email address for your surgery.
Can I see the same clinician each time?
We always try to book you with the same clinician.
What our patients say
Book an appointment today
From £45. Face to face in Plymouth. No referral needed.