Waiting a month with Private Health care?
Discussion
Not sure if this is the correct forum, so apologies Mods if you have to move it.
Just a quick question relating to what people think is expected/acceptable treatment using Private Health Care.
Today I had an MRI scan, and was offered a date for next Friday to review the results - which is a totally acceptable time frame. But I cannot make that appointment, so asked for the next available appointment which is not until December 18th, a month from now.
I'm not a frequent user of medical services, neither NHS nor Private, but the main reason that I have opted to pay for cover is that I have control of appointments (important to me as I am self employed). My question is, do you guys think that having to wait a month is normal or acceptable with private health/private consultants and do I have any recourse?
I retrospect it isn't that much of a problem, because I will probably need an operation which wouldn't happen until after Christmas anyway. And I would want to take my ski holiday in January first, pushing it out further.
But I'm just bemused that it seems to be little better in terms of the control that I have over just using the NHS.
Just a quick question relating to what people think is expected/acceptable treatment using Private Health Care.
Today I had an MRI scan, and was offered a date for next Friday to review the results - which is a totally acceptable time frame. But I cannot make that appointment, so asked for the next available appointment which is not until December 18th, a month from now.
I'm not a frequent user of medical services, neither NHS nor Private, but the main reason that I have opted to pay for cover is that I have control of appointments (important to me as I am self employed). My question is, do you guys think that having to wait a month is normal or acceptable with private health/private consultants and do I have any recourse?
I retrospect it isn't that much of a problem, because I will probably need an operation which wouldn't happen until after Christmas anyway. And I would want to take my ski holiday in January first, pushing it out further.
But I'm just bemused that it seems to be little better in terms of the control that I have over just using the NHS.
T40ORA said:
Today I had an MRI scan, and was offered a date for next Friday to review the results - which is a totally acceptable time frame. But I cannot make that appointment, so asked for the next available appointment which is not until December 18th, a month from now.
So they're both Friday's. Is it possible that the consultant you're seeing only has a clinic at that hospital one Friday every 4 weeks?Deva Link said:
T40ORA said:
Today I had an MRI scan, and was offered a date for next Friday to review the results - which is a totally acceptable time frame. But I cannot make that appointment, so asked for the next available appointment which is not until December 18th, a month from now.
So they're both Friday's. Is it possible that the consultant you're seeing only has a clinic at that hospital one Friday every 4 weeks?Seems to be taking the michael a little seeing the NHS are trying to get down to 4 weeks for OP appointments this year!
Where's the appointment? Private or NHS hospital? Worth asking if you can get a private appointment at the NHS hospital the consultant works at, as chances are he'll be there a lot more frequently than the private hospital.
Also, unless it's something uber complex then worth seeing if you can get someone else to review the scan.
Where's the appointment? Private or NHS hospital? Worth asking if you can get a private appointment at the NHS hospital the consultant works at, as chances are he'll be there a lot more frequently than the private hospital.
Also, unless it's something uber complex then worth seeing if you can get someone else to review the scan.
I'll try the appointment at the NHS Hospital - mine so far are at the Private Hospital.
It's not that complex - it's a shoulder problem, which I know is the most complex joint but a would guess I have a 'standard' injury requiring a 'standard' procedure.
But now, to make matters worse, I can't make the 18th! I'm slef employed and if I take that appointment I lose a week's money.
It's not that complex - it's a shoulder problem, which I know is the most complex joint but a would guess I have a 'standard' injury requiring a 'standard' procedure.
But now, to make matters worse, I can't make the 18th! I'm slef employed and if I take that appointment I lose a week's money.
I partook in some private healthcare recently.
I had my MRI done outside of the hospital. I then paid to see a private consultant at a hospital.
The guy I eventually saw does 1 day a week at the private hospital for consultations, but he didn't seem THAT busy - I got an appoitment the first available Wednesday.
Once we established I needed an op the first appointment he had avaiable private was after 1 month - which I actually thought was quite long. It would cost 4.5k.
The NHS timeframe he gave me was approx 3 months. As a non insurance patient I took that option instead.
So a 1 month waiting time is a bit long for a consultation, especially if any surgery will probably be far longer (though it doesn't matter in your case).
I had my MRI done outside of the hospital. I then paid to see a private consultant at a hospital.
The guy I eventually saw does 1 day a week at the private hospital for consultations, but he didn't seem THAT busy - I got an appoitment the first available Wednesday.
Once we established I needed an op the first appointment he had avaiable private was after 1 month - which I actually thought was quite long. It would cost 4.5k.
The NHS timeframe he gave me was approx 3 months. As a non insurance patient I took that option instead.
So a 1 month waiting time is a bit long for a consultation, especially if any surgery will probably be far longer (though it doesn't matter in your case).
One month is too long. As the others have said the Consultant probably only attends once a week. See if you can meet with him/her elsewhere. Chances are the consultation will only last about 15 minutes anyway.
I've had several private referrals recently and have got appointments, initial and follow up, in days. In fact I've had to delay some because I have not got space in my diary.
pp
I've had several private referrals recently and have got appointments, initial and follow up, in days. In fact I've had to delay some because I have not got space in my diary.
pp
Maxf said:
I have to wait until the 15th December to see a knee specialist. I could have seen someone else quicker, but this guy came well recommended and I'd sooner go to someone 'known' for something so important. Could it be your man has a similar good rep?
That's a good question. I Googled him but came up with nothing other than a standard resume. However, I guess that means nothing.I've contacted his secretary and asked for a telephone consultation or whatever else he can offer; yes, it is likely to be no more than 15 minutes. It's onlyto review some MRI scans and X-Rays of my shoulder to determine what injury/condition I have and what treatment to go for. I would have thought that could be covered over the telephone.
I'll wait to see what his secretary comes back with first, but might try the route of asking for an alternative consultant.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff