First Contact Practitioner

A first contact practitioner (FCP) is an experienced physiotherapist who has expertise and the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems on a patient’s first contact, instead of a GP, when they visit their GP surgery.

Patients with MSK complaints can be booked in to see an FCP by a GP receptionist, GP or online. An FCP offers expert MSK assessment and diagnosis, however, is also integrated within the multi-disciplinary team in each GP practice. If appropriate, an FCP may prescribe a programme of exercises, refer for blood tests or X-ray, or refer a patient to an appropriate secondary health service e.g. rheumatology or orthopaedics. All FCP’s are trained to identify ‘red flag’ symptoms which may require medical attention.

If you are a registered patient and would like an appointment with our First Contact Physiotherapist, simply ask when booking. It is often quicker than waiting for a GP appointment and as specialists, they can provide more time to get a greater understanding of your needs.

To find out more about FCP’s you can also have a look at our partner providers website Sussex MSK Partnership.