Helping you get an earlier NHS diagnosis
Why choose Medefer?
Medefer is an NHS outpatient service provider created by NHS consultants to make care faster, simpler and more convenient.
What this means for you
Faster answers
A consultant reviews your referral in days.
Consultant led expertise
See GMC registered NHS consultants.
NHS standards, no extra cost.
Fully NHS funded and CQC regulated.
Clear communication, real support.
Results and next steps clearly explained and shared with your GP, so you always know where you stand.
With Medefer, you won’t be left waiting or wondering. Your care fits around your life with a UK patient care team ready to help whenever you need them.
Receiving NHS care with Medefer.
Patient choice is central to the NHS Constitution for England. When your GP refers you to a specialist, you have the right to choose who will provide your care. It’s an important right that many patients may not realise they have.
Medefer believes that patient choice positively affects your experience. When you’re involved in decisions about your healthcare, it helps you feel more in control and confident about the treatment you receive. You can choose a care provider based on their reputation, waiting times, or location. Plus, you can access care faster, reducing the stress of waiting.
If you want to know more about your legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment, you can find out more on this NHS website.
Download our guide on how to get an NHS referral to Medefer, simply show it to your GP using your phone or print it out
Choosing where you get treated matters. Being able to pick your hospital or care provider is important. It means you can find a place that suits your needs, like having shorter waiting times or a location that’s easier for you to visit. Making the right choice helps you feel more comfortable and in control of your care. NHS treatment is free, no matter where you go.
You can choose a different hospital if needed. If the waiting time at your local hospital is too long, you don’t have to stick with it. Your GP will give you options, including private services, and you can choose the one that works best for you. This can help you get treatment faster and in a place that makes you feel comfortable.
You have a right to change where you get your care. Here’s how it works:
When can I switch providers?
You can switch hospitals if:
- You’ve waited more than 18 weeks for non-urgent care.
- You’ve waited more than two weeks for a cancer specialist appointment.
If you qualify, the Integrated Care System (ICS) or NHS England should help you find a faster option. You’ll have the choice of switching to another hospital or clinic. Your choice matters!
When can’t I switch providers?
You can’t switch if:
- Your treatment isn’t led by a consultant
- You chose to wait longer
- It’s not safe to treat you right now
- You missed appointments or declined treatment
- You’re on the transplant list or using maternity services
- Your doctor decides to monitor you without treatment
Medefer is leading the way in championing patient choice. We work with multiple NHS trusts and clinics to cut NHS waiting times and get patients the care they need. Our service allows for rapid clinical assessments. Most patients who choose Medefer complete their treatment pathway with us from their first appointment to their last.
We manage your specialists, testing, and treatment, working closely with your GP and NHS consultants. We want you to focus on getting better, not stressing about wait times. Your recovery is our top priority.
We offer convenient healthcare services that reduce the need for hospital visits. Many patients can receive care from the comfort of their homes, saving time and reducing stress. We work alongside NHS providers to ensure that if further treatment is needed, you’re referred to the most suitable provider without delays.
- Our consultants provide rapid case reviews, cutting wait times compared to in-person visits.
- With a large network of specialists, Medefer can assign and schedule consultations within hours, not weeks.
- All patient records and test results are managed digitally, allowing specialists quick access for faster care decisions.
- Medefer ensures timely follow-up appointments and tests, reducing delays in the patient’s care journey.
Medefer is a pioneer in inventive outpatient services. We use familiar technology, like phone calls and online tools, so you usually don’t need to visit consultants in person. This also helps you, your GP, and your doctors easily access your medical records and talk to each other.
You can book phone appointments or schedule tests with our partners. Most of the time, this happens within a few days or weeks. This makes it easier to fit into your schedule and keeps you from needing to travel so often.
Steps
How it works
Next steps for NHS patients
Under the NHS Constitution, you have the Right to Choose where your non‑urgent outpatient care takes place.
Medefer is listed on the NHS e‑Referral Service (e‑RS) just like any hospital clinic.
We want to help you get referred to us
If your GP thinks you need to see an NHS consultant, they can refer you to Medefer. You’ll be reviewed by one of our consultants, who’ll decide if you need further testing or not all through the Medefer service. To start the referral process download the guide below.
Easy Process
Download the letter
Fast and secure
Fill in a quick form or chat
Our track record
Over 160,000 NHS patients supported.
Care Quality Commission rated “Good” for safety, effectiveness and responsiveness. [Read our report]
UK registered consultant workforce across multiple specialties.
A proven remote first model adopted across NHS services nationwide.
Need support?
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We’re here to help you get the specialist care you need, without the wait.
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