Advice and Guidance

Advice and Guidance (A&G) - What this means for your care

You may hear your GP refer to Advice and Guidance (A&G) when discussing your care.

This is a way for your GP to get advice from a hospital specialist before deciding the next steps in your care. It is often used when a referral may be needed, or where your GP would like specialist input first. It allows clinicians to discuss your care directly and make sure you receive the most appropriate treatment. 

Why this approach is used

  • To make sure you receive the right care in the right place
  • To help avoid unnecessary hospital appointments where possible
  • To allow your GP to get specialist advice more quickly

In many cases, this means care can be managed by your GP with specialist input, without needing a hospital visit.

What this means for you

  • Your GP may seek advice from a specialist about your condition
  • Your care may continue at the practice with this advice
  • If a hospital appointment is needed, this can usually be arranged without delay

Find out more

For further information, please visit the NHS England page:
NHS England – Advice and Guidance
https://www.england.nhs.uk/elective-care/best-practice-solutions/advice-and-guidance/

Page last reviewed: 01 June 2026
Page created: 01 June 2026