Hello New to the Community

[alanabirrell]

So my next apt with my specialist is late November. However I experienced a 3 day AF event captured by my Kardia device. I wanted to follow up with a PIP approach so have been recommended to see my GP. Hoping to get a prescription for flecainide as a PIP approach however I am already on Bisoporol 2.5mg daily So was thinking to get off the Bisoporol and just have the Flecainide. Just wanted some advice so I can talk knowledgably to my GP.

Part 2 we recently moved to the UK from Canada so wanting to figure out the best way to navigate the system and pursue ablation therapy. Can anyone compare the 2 re time waiting on NHS list vs Cost of Private treatment. thanks Alan

[Finvola]

Hello Alan and welcome to the forum.

In the UK an antiarrhythmic drug such as Flecainide is usually first prescribed by a cardiologist, with follow up prescriptions coming via a GP. I take both Flecainide and Bisoprolol daily but there are many other members using PIP Flecainide who will be able to give you their experiences.

Waiting times in the NHS vary from area to area, so it does depend where you are in the UK - eg in my area (N Ireland) my EP had a six month waiting list for his patients already on his list for ablation last year. Cost in private medicine (uninsured I assume) can mount up when one considers the procedure itself - some estimates at around £15,000 plus any follow up procedures which may be necessary.

At the extreme end of NHS waiting versus private for a first EP consultation, my wait to see my EP at the beginning would have been 13-16 months on the NHS - privately I waited for a few days and paid £200 for the initial consultation, switching to the EP's NHS list afterwards.

One way to get good information is to ring the hospital(s) of your choice and ask or look on their websites for details of private consultations etc.

[alanabirrell in reply to Finvola]

Finvola thanks very helpful, I managed to get in to see an EP that will be in Nov so not too long. Alan

[BobD Volunteer]

Your GP should not prescribe anti arrhythmic drugs such as flecainide without the consent and approval of a consultant so you may be on a looser with that request.

If you pay privately to see an electrophysiologist (not a normal cardiologist but a rhythm specialist ) it may cost you anything between £150 and £250 . This gets you in front of the expert probably six months earlier that NHS waiting. If the EP feels it appropriate he may then put you on his/her NHS waiting list .

If you go to AF Association website there is a list by area of specialists in arrhythmia under patient information.

[alanabirrell in reply to BobD]

Bob thanks.