In the UK and most European countries, seeing a GP before a specialist is mandatory — specialists only see patients referred by a GP. In Nigeria, this gatekeeping function is largely absent, meaning patients can and do go directly to specialists. This is sometimes appropriate, but often results in: expensive specialist consultations for conditions that are straightforwardly managed at primary care level; referral to the wrong specialist; and missing an underlying condition that explains multiple symptoms.
A good GP does several things a specialist cannot: considers the whole person rather than a specific organ system; takes a comprehensive history that identifies the most likely diagnosis before any investigation; orders the minimum appropriate investigations rather than a full specialist workup on the first visit; and knows when and to which specialist to refer.
Our doctors assess your complaint, perform appropriate investigations, and either manage it entirely at primary care level or provide you with a specific referral to the right specialist with a full written clinical summary. The referral letter means your specialist appointment is efficient — you do not start from scratch. We know which Lagos specialists are most appropriate for different conditions and write specific rather than vague referrals.
About the author: Dr. Adebayo Okonkwo is general practitioner, mascot healthcare at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, Lagos. This article is reviewed annually and updated to reflect current guidelines and data.
Comprehensive primary care assessment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. By appointment from ₦5,000.