What Is It?
A First Contact Practitioner (FCP) is a diagnostic clinician working in Primary Care at the top of their clinical scope of practice at master’s level. This allows the FCP to be able to assess and
manage undifferentiated and undiagnosed MSK presentations such as joint, bone, muscle, and tendon issues.
An MSK Advanced Practitioner (AP) is an expert MSK clinician working at an advanced level across all four pillars of advanced practice at master’s level. The four pillars of AP are: Research, Leadership and Management, Education, and Clinical Practice
How to Book an FCP Appointment
You don’t need to see a GP before booking an appointment with an FCP. Simply follow the same process of calling your GP practice, or submit an online consultation, and let them know your symptoms. The clinician triaging your request will decide to schedule an appointment with the FCP if you have an MSK issue and the FCP is the most expert clinician to support you. No referral form is necessary. This service is available to individuals aged 16 and over.
What to Expect at Your FCP Appointment
During your appointment, the FCP will take a detailed history of your condition and may ask about your past medical history to better understand your symptoms and overall health. This helps in ruling out other possible conditions. They will carry out an assessment the affected joint(s) to provide a clear diagnosis, which will be explained to you.
Together, you and the FCP will develop a management plan, typically involving rehabilitation exercises and advice on how to manage your condition. Please note that the FCP service is not intended for ongoing physiotherapy treatments, but if your condition isn’t improving, the FCP will advise you to return.
The FCP may recommend the GetUBetter self-management app to help you with exercise progression. If you’d like to try this before your appointment, you can register here:
If the FCP believes you need ongoing physiotherapy treatment, they will refer you to Whittington’s MSK Physio service.
If further investigations, such as X-rays, scans, or blood tests are needed, the FCP may organise them or refer you to hospital specialist services depending on the clinical presentation.
The FCP can also provide Fit Notes when appropriate. Some FCPs can prescribe medication for managing MSK issues and do injection therapy.
The FCP works closely with GPs and may collaborate with them on your care, especially if you present with non-MSK related symptoms.