First Contact Practitioner Service

The First Contact Practitioner service, also known as the First Contact Physiotherapist service, is a way for musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists to work side by side with GPs in local GP practices.

Circle MSK provide experienced physiotherapists to local GP surgeries. These physiotherapists assess patients with problems with their muscles, bones or joints (musculoskeletal care).

We offer this service so that patients can see an MSK specialist as soon as possible. We also think it’s vital to support GPs and work shoulder-to-shoulder in the community.

The physiotherapists working in GP surgeries offer:

1. An assessment of patients with symptoms of a musculoskeletal problem as an alternative to them seeing their GP
2. Early advice and exercises for patients who have not had their symptoms for very long
3. An opinion on the best MSK pathway for more complex patients, who are then directed into Circle’s fully integrated MSK service

Problems with muscles, bones and joints can often be managed by a First Contact Practitioner/Physiotherpist (FCP). Not every condition needs intense treatment and we want to make sure that patients only go to hospital or a community clinic when they really need to.

The FCP service means that patients can see someone quickly and conveniently in their own GP practice, with specialist skills to help them manage their problems. Our clinicians are experienced physiotherapists, skilled in helping patients diagnose problems and in offering clear, expert advice on MSK conditions. They can empower patients to self-manage their problem, where appropriate.

If a patient needs further treatment or advice, the FCP will refer them on to their local Circle MSK service with a recommendation regarding further management. Circle aim to triage all patients within 48 hours, and are dedicated to making sure that patients are seen quickly. In the meantime, the FCP might offer patients some advice on how to manage their condition or pain while they wait.

The service is only available in certain GP Practices. It works best when you see an FCP about an MSK problem as your first contact in the practice, rather than seeing a GP first – this also has the benefit of freeing up GP appointments for other conditions which can only be managed by a GP. Please check with your GP practice to find out if the service is available in you.

If you would like to know more about self-management, please visit our list of MSK conditions to find helpful guides on how to manage your pain and stay active.

If you work in a GP practice and are interested in setting up the First Contact Practitioner Service, please contact your local Circle MSK service and ask to be put in touch with the FCP lead.