Seeing an EP

[kenda]

How do you get to see an EP can it be done on the NHS or private, I live near Taunton Somerset

[meadfoot]

You need to ask your GP for a referral to an EP on the NHS or private whichever you prefer. There are some good EP's in Bristol (as well as other areas in the UK) if you wish to stay local.

Have a look on the AFA website there is a list of medics there.

Dee

[BobD Volunteer]

You have the right to be treated by whoever you choose. There is a list of EPs by area on the main AF A website under patient information. Find who you want to see and ask your GP for referral. This is your right.

Bob

[fallingtopieces]

I initially made an appointment to see my EP privately as I was too worried to wait 2-3 months for a NHS appointment. I now see the same EP on the NHS.

As Bob says, it is your right to choose.

They all seem to work both privately and for the NHS.

It's only the waiting time between going private or NHS that's different.

Pat

[Hidden]

If you're looking on the web, the word Electrophysiologist sometimes isn't used. They can be listed as Heart Rhythm Specialists or something like that.

Koll

[kernow43]

Hi, I also live near Taunton although all my treatment so far was in Yeovil, and wanted to see an EP. Fed up with the "system" I just booked an appointment off my own back on a private basis, and told my GP after.

The one I chose was the luckiest and best move I could have made in that, although i had to travel up to Harefield, for the first time since being diagnosed I had a full extensive " going over", decent explanation and a plan of action. The consultant I saw there works a lot with a consultant in Musgrove and aimed me in his direction to follow on.

Just look up Dr. Mark Dayer, he has his own website, and it will explain all, including a price list if you choose to jump the NHS "Q", and have an initial consultation with him privately.

As others have already said, it's your right to choose.

[Mike11]

I'd strongly recommend you ask your GP to refer you to "the best" EP in the area privately. You'll have a good half-hour with the true expert in the field, whereas often with the NHS you see a junior who then sends your case notes to the EP. In many other areas this wouldn't be a problem but it does seem like AF is something you only understand after decades of experience. For the £150-200 it's a good investment.

But insist he then does any necessary tests on the NHS, i.e. free. He won't mind but the private hospital where the consultation is done sometimes gets a bit shirty over you doing so.

[kenda]

Many thanks to you all that have taken the time to reply. This is for my husband, he's the one with A/F, he had good treatment to start, with the GP & Musgrove, but now 2 years on, no follow up's just repeat prescriptions.

[Devondan]

The exeter RD and E has an EP, Dr Lovell, I haven't seen him but another poster did and said good things. As said before the difficulty will be ensuring you see the main man and not his assistants.

[bebe7637]

I'm told by Doctors and my Cardiologist that we have NO EP nurses in my part of West Yorkshire.

[CTG99 in reply to bebe7637]

I think there might be some confusion over terms here - an Electrophysiologist (EP) is the specialist heart rhythm consultant. I've only ever come across AF nurses in the nursing staff and they tend to work with the cardiologists.

Caroline