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Choosing a provider

Choosing a provider

You can choose your GP practice and, for many treatments, have a say in which hospital or service you are referred to.

At a glance

  • You can choose your GP practice.
  • For many services you can choose which provider to be referred to.
On this page (2 sections)

Overview

You have the right to choose your GP practice and to express a preference for a particular doctor, and for many services you can choose which provider to be referred to [1].

Using your choice

When you are referred for treatment, it is worth asking about your options — you may be able to choose a hospital or clinic that suits you better [1].

Sources

  1. Department of Health & Social Care (GOV.UK). The NHS Constitution for England (opens in new tab) Updated 17 August 2023. Accessed 12 August 2026.

About this page

Written by
Consumer Health editorial team
Medical review
Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
Last updated
August 2026
Next review due
August 2027

Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.

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