Specialist

SPESH-uh-list /ˈspeʃəlɪst/
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What it really means

A doctor who deals with one area of medicine, such as skin or heart problems. On the NHS you normally see a specialist only after your GP refers you.

Chinese explanation
专科医生：只看某一领域（如皮肤、心脏）的医生。在NHS体系里，通常要先由GP转诊才能看专科。

Example conversation

A: Can I book a skin specialist directly? B: Not on the NHS — your GP has to refer you first.
A：我可以直接预约皮肤专科医生吗？ B：走NHS不行，得先让GP给你转诊。

What you could say back

“I'll see my GP about a referral then.”

Related phrases

Referral Consultant GP

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Dentists and Opticians in the UK: Costs, NHS Bands and How to Get Seen How the NHS Works: Where to Go When You Are Ill in England Mental Health Support in the UK: Where to Turn and How It Works
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake