Private healthcare

[VXR_Driver]

Hi

I have had private healthcare through my employer for several years now. I was diagnosed with Crones disease 2 years ago and had hospital treatment on the NHS. I didn't feel the need to "use" the private healthcare, as I knew the treatment I would receive would be very good, in Norwich's modern university hospital.

Fast forward 2 years.

The last few check-ups I've had have been unsatisfactory for various reasons (waiting times, coming out with more questions than I went in with, generally feeling like I wasn't being listened to).

Today I was told that I'd need to have a colonoscopy. Since my healthcare covers pre-existing conditions, I was wondering, can I make use of it now? If so, does that mean I can have the colonoscopy sooner, in a different hospital, and then have check-ups with a private specialist? Or have I completely misunderstood how private healthcare works? If so, how does it work, and what does it offer?

Thanks

[LMC]

Going private will get a quicker appointment, but the so-called "private specialist" will probably be the same guy who has been treating you on the NHS.

This is how these guys make their money (and good luck to them). They'll give up their Saturday mornings off and do a few hours for BUPA.

I must admit that I'm surprised that in 2 years you're only now getting considered for a colonoscopy.

[VXR_Driver]

LMC said:

I must admit that I'm surprised that in 2 years you're only now getting considered for a colonoscopy.

Thanks for the info. Originally they were worried that the colonoscopy might perforate the bowel. Also I'd had a barium swallow and they were able to diagnose from that, so the colonoscopy was deemed unnecessary.

Ah. Is there any way I can avoid this specialist in the future? I dont want to make an official complaint or anything, as he's a nice enough guy. I'm just not satisfied for the reasons outlined above.

[parapaul]

VXR_Driver said:

Is there any way I can avoid this specialist in the future? I dont want to make an official complaint or anything, as he's a nice enough guy. I'm just not satisfied for the reasons outlined above.

Of course - you're the one customer. Find out which private hospital the insurance will send you to (Nuffield, BUPA, whatever) and phone them directly. They will have a list of all the consultants that have clinics there, and will be able to give you the number for a different consultant's secretary.

The only way this may not work is if your consultant is the only one at that hospital with that speciality, but it's unlikely IMHO.

HTH