We would recommend that you have a website for two major reasons. The first is to advertise yourself and the skills that you possess, this would be part of your marketing strategy. There is also the opportunity for your potential patients to start to get to know you. The second is to provide information to

Before you interview and appoint a secretary, you need to determine the scope of the role. In private practice, the following tasks are some of what may need to be covered. Booking appointments, although Private hospitals often offer this service at no cost. Preparing clinic notes Typing clinic, GP, insurance company and patient letters. A

As you are now operating independently of the NHS, you are responsible for ensuring that you have sufficient legal cover in the event of a problem. Insurance Companies and Hospitals may insist that this is in place, and may advise you as to how much cover you will require. You will need to estimate your

The insurance companies will check your listing on the GMC website when you register with them to ensure that you are qualified to undertake Consultancy in your stated specialty. They will also check whether you have any warnings or suspensions logged against you.

Here is a checklist of what else needs to be in place before you start. Ensure that you are entered on the GMC Specialist Register for your specialty. Obtain MDU cover or equivalent for your private practice. Design your support team, including the roles of clinical and financial secretary Determine who will fulfill the role

Firstly, may we offer our congratulations on your appointment. Secondly, before you can register with an insurance company, you need to acquire some practising rights, so determine at which Private Hospitals you wish to practice. Some criteria that you may wish to consider when assessing the Hospital. The distance between your home and the Hospital,