Private GP consultations in Reading
If you have symptoms that have not been fully explained, or you want time to review your blood results, deficiencies or wider health concerns properly, you can book a private GP consultation with me, Dr Asim Naqvi.
A careful GP consultation for symptoms that need context
I often see people who feel tired, foggy, dizzy, weak, light-headed or generally not themselves, but have not been given a clear explanation.
Some have already had blood tests and been told everything is “normal”. Others have low or borderline results for B12, ferritin, iron, folate, vitamin D or thyroid markers, but are unsure what those results mean. Some have been given labels such as stress, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long Covid, functional neurological disorder or medically unexplained symptoms, but still feel something has been missed.
A private GP consultation gives us time to look at the full picture – your symptoms, history, risk factors, results and any response to previous treatment – before agreeing the most sensible next step.
My aim is not to blame every symptom on B12, iron or vitamin deficiency. My aim is to practise careful, honest medicine and help you understand what may be going on.
What I can help with
Blood tests are most useful when they are chosen to answer a clinical question.
I do not treat a number on a screen. I look at the person in front of me, the pattern of symptoms, the risk factors, the blood results, the possible causes and the response to any previous treatment.
I also look for other contributors, because B12 is not always the whole story.
Tiredness, weakness and brain fog
You may feel unusually drained, mentally slower than usual, unable to concentrate or less able to cope with normal daily life.Pins and needles or nerve-type symptoms
This may include tingling, numbness, burning feet, altered sensation, balance problems or symptoms that have not been clearly explained.Dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations
These symptoms can be unsettling, especially when routine checks have not given you a clear answer.B12, iron or anaemia concerns
You may be worried about B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, low ferritin, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia or anaemia.Results that feel unclear
You may have been told your blood tests are normal, borderline or not concerning, but you still feel unwell and want a careful second opinion.Symptoms despite treatment
Some people come to me because they have tried B12 injections, B12 tablets, iron tablets or other treatment but do not feel the response has been properly reviewed.
A GP-led assessment, not a narrow vitamin appointment
This is not a general supplement clinic. It is also not a narrow B12 injection or iron infusion service. As a GP, I look at symptoms in the context of the whole person. That means considering deficiencies where they may be relevant, while also looking for other possible explanations.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms affecting the blood, nerves, thinking, mood and mouth, and current UK guidance recognises that symptoms, risk factors and blood test results need to be considered together.
Iron deficiency anaemia can cause symptoms such as tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath and palpitations, but these symptoms can also have other causes. This is why I interpret results alongside your history and wider clinical picture.
If B12, iron or another deficiency looks relevant, I will explain why. If another diagnosis, further investigation or referral seems more appropriate, I will say so clearly.
What I look at during your consultation
Your symptoms and timeline
Your medical history
Medication, diet and lifestyle factors
Your blood results
Previous treatment response
Cofactors and alternative diagnoses
When symptoms are complex or have been labelled “functional”
Some patients come to me after being told their symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long Covid, functional neurological disorder or medically unexplained symptoms.
Sometimes those labels may be part of the picture. Sometimes they may not explain everything.
My role is not to dismiss previous opinions. It is to look carefully for treatable contributors that may have been missed, such as B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, folate problems, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disease, inflammation, medication effects, autoimmune gastritis or gut absorption issues.
Just as importantly, if the pattern does not fit a deficiency or metabolic issue, I will explain that honestly and advise what else should be considered.
Blood tests, treatment and next steps
A private GP consultation may lead to blood tests, treatment advice, monitoring or referral, depending on what the assessment shows.
Focused blood tests
If further testing would help, I will explain which tests are useful and why. I do not believe in testing everything without a clear clinical reason.
B12 treatment advice
If B12 deficiency is confirmed or strongly suspected, I can advise whether B12 injections or oral B12 may be appropriate, and how response should be reviewed.
Iron treatment advice
If low ferritin, iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia is relevant, I can advise on oral iron, monitoring and whether an iron infusion assessment may be suitable.
GP letter or referral
If your symptoms or results suggest that NHS follow-up, specialist referral or further investigation is needed, I can provide a clear letter to support your ongoing care.
What happens when you book a consultation
You tell me what has been happening
I start by listening. I want to understand what has changed, how long your symptoms have been present and how they are affecting your work, family life, exercise, mood and confidence.
I review your background carefully
I look at your medical history, medication, diet, gut symptoms, menstrual history, family history, previous diagnoses and any past investigations.
I assess your risk factors
This may include autoimmune disease, gut problems, medication effects, vegan or restricted diet, nitrous oxide exposure, bariatric surgery, heavy periods or a family history of related conditions.
I interpret your results in context
I review relevant results such as B12, folate, ferritin, iron studies, vitamin D, thyroid markers and other tests where available.
I explain my clinical opinion clearly
I will explain what I think may be going on, what the results support, what they do not prove and whether B12, iron or another issue seems most relevant.
We agree a practical plan
Your plan may include further testing, B12 treatment, iron treatment, monitoring, symptom tracking, lifestyle advice, a GP letter or referral where appropriate.
I see patients through B12 Metabolic Clinic in Reading, Berkshire and support people from the surrounding area.
Remote consultations may also be available where clinically appropriate. If blood tests, B12 injections or iron infusions are needed, I will explain what can be arranged safely and practically.
A remote consultation can be helpful for reviewing symptoms, previous results and next steps. If you need examination, urgent assessment or treatment that cannot be arranged remotely, I will explain this clearly.
B12 Metabolic Clinic is not an emergency service
Please seek urgent help through NHS 111, 999 or A&E if you have severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, new confusion, black stools, heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening symptoms or anything that feels severe, sudden or unsafe to wait.
Book an appointment with me
If you are worried about B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, anaemia or symptoms that have not been fully explained, you do not need to work it out alone.
I will take time to listen, review the evidence carefully and help you understand the most sensible next step.
Frequently asked questions
If you are considering an appointment, you may have questions about blood tests, B12 injections, iron infusions or whether this clinic is right for your symptoms. I have answered some of the most common questions below, but if you are unsure, you are welcome to get in touch before booking.
- Can you prescribe treatment?
Treatment may be possible where it is clinically appropriate. This may include advice about B12 treatment, iron treatment, monitoring or other next steps after assessment.
- Is this consultation only for B12 deficiency?
No. Although I have a strong interest in B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia, I also assess iron deficiency, anaemia, folate, vitamin D, thyroid, inflammatory and related metabolic concerns.
- How is this different from a standard vitamin clinic?
This is a GP-led assessment, not a general supplement service. I look at your symptoms, history, risk factors, blood results, possible causes, cofactors and previous treatment response before advising on the next step.
If B12, iron or another deficiency is relevant, I will explain why. If another diagnosis or referral is more appropriate, I will say so clearly.
- Can you help if my blood tests have been called normal?
Yes. A normal result may be reassuring, but it does not always explain the whole picture. I will review the results in context and advise whether further testing, monitoring, treatment or another diagnosis should be considered.
- Can you write to my NHS GP or specialist?
Yes, where appropriate. I can provide a clear letter summarising the assessment, relevant results and recommended next steps to support your ongoing care.
- What can I discuss in a private GP consultation?
You can discuss symptoms such as tiredness, brain fog, dizziness, pins and needles, weakness, palpitations, low mood, pain, mouth symptoms or concerns about blood results, B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, pernicious anaemia or anaemia.
- Can you review blood tests I already have?
Yes. Please send any recent NHS or private blood results before your appointment if possible. I can review them alongside your symptoms, history and risk factors.
- Can you arrange private blood tests?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. I can arrange focused blood tests for markers such as full blood count, B12, folate, ferritin, iron studies, vitamin D, thyroid function and related markers.
- Where is B12 Metabolic Clinic based?
B12 Metabolic Clinic is located at The Forbury Clinic in Reading, Berkshire.
Remote consultations may also be available where clinically appropriate. If blood tests, B12 injections or iron infusions are needed, I will explain what can be arranged safely and practically.