What is an outpatient clinic letter?
After a specialist outpatient appointment, the consultant writes a letter summarising what was discussed and decided. This letter is sent to your GP and a copy is sent to you. It is the formal record of your appointment.
You may receive this letter within a few days of your appointment, or it may take two to four weeks depending on the Trust and the type of appointment.
What an outpatient letter typically contains
- Reason for referral — why your GP referred you and what the presenting problem was
- History — what you told the specialist about your symptoms and medical history
- Examination findings — what the specialist found during any physical examination
- Investigations requested — any blood tests, scans, or referrals ordered
- Diagnosis or differential diagnosis — what the specialist thinks is happening, or what they are ruling out
- Management plan — what happens next, including medication changes, follow-up appointments, or further tests
What to check in your letter
Outpatient letters can contain errors — particularly in the history section, which is based on the specialist's notes from your consultation. Check that your symptoms and history are recorded accurately. If something is wrong, contact your GP or the specialist's secretary to request a correction.
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to have inaccurate personal data corrected. If the letter contains a factual error about your symptoms or history, you can formally request an amendment.
If you disagree with the specialist's conclusions
You have the right to a second opinion. Ask your GP to refer you to a different specialist if you are not satisfied with the assessment. You do not need a reason — the right to a second opinion is established in the NHS Constitution.
If you have concerns about how your appointment was handled, contact the Trust's PALS service. For more serious concerns, you can raise a formal complaint through the Trust's complaints procedure. Read our guide on understanding hospital letters for more context.