From Cliff.

[skipwork]

I want to see a lung consultant for my severe brochiectasis so I get a second opinion. The top specialist charges £500 whilst other vary from £100 to £250.

Any guidance you can give? Royal Brompton hospital???

[Hidden]

Why not just ask your gp to refer you to RBH? That consultation fee wouldn’t cover the cost of the tests you’ll need, which could be very, very expensive.

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

I saw their website (RBH) which says £100, £250 or £500 for one appointment.

I phoned them and they said only £250-£500. I'll bin it.

Cliff

[Hidden]

You don't have to pay. In fact better that you don't as all of the best ones work in the NHS and their credentials in bronch are confirmed. Any respiratory consultant working privately can claim that they know about bronch. The NHS specialist will have access to all of the tests physio etc which can become extremely expensive with a chronic condition in the private sector.

The Royal Brompton isn't the only centre with good bronch specialists. Birmingham, Southampton, Leicester, Liverpool to name a few are as good but don't blow their own trumpets. Bronch specialists are usually at big teaching hospitals. Look for one near you or let us know your area and one of us may be able to give you a name by pm. Take the name to your GP and insist on a referral. Don't take no for an answer.

Good luck.

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks. I've seen my specialist. This is for a second opinion.

[Hidden in reply to skipwork]

If you have seen a bronch specialist ( not a general respiratory consulrant) why do you feel that you need a second opinion?

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

My lung consultant does not speak good English. Confused by his replies.

[rodders1941 in reply to skipwork]

Skipwork l read your email with interest ,l too had trouble understanding

the last specialist l spoke with over the phone, but now l understand why

this is the case . if you go to google and look up how many of our doctors

emigrate to canada austriala new zealand and america in the last 5 years

after being trained in our country for a cost of well over £100,000, you will

see why we have to really on doctors brought in to fill the gap. l hope this will

explain a little of the picture we find our self,s in . take care Rodders 1941

[skipwork in reply to rodders1941]

True. But all overseas doctors should be articulate and well trained in the English language.

[Patk1 in reply to skipwork]

Ring secretary,explain u missed most of what he said & ask for copy of letter sent to gp.might help

[skipwork in reply to Patk1]

Good idea. Thanks. Cliff

[Hidden in reply to skipwork]

If you aren't happy with what they have told you, read the guidelines on the treatment of bronch by the British Thoracic Society and check the credentials of your specialist in bronch.

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks

[Hidden]

Royal Brompton has an excellent reputation.

[santisuk in reply to Hidden]

So does Papworth in Cambridge. I somehow doubt they will be accepting new private patients in these Covid days though. As a private patient there myself it had always struck me that they were a little ambivalent about doing private work, but having taken me on, the care/expertise has been excellent

[crashdoll]

The Royal Brompton team is fantastic. Some of their bronchiectasis specialists do private work too. If I were you, I’d make sure whoever you choose works both NHS and private. That said, no reason why your GP can’t refer you on the NHS to the RBH or anywhere else. You’re entitled to a second opinion. I’m under respiratory at my local hospital as well as the RBH for shared care.

[skipwork in reply to crashdoll]

Many thanks. Yes, my doctor will forward a letter to the Royal Brompton Hospital.

Can the private consultant tap into a computer for my latest CT scan without going via my NHS specialist. Would he think I have gone behind his back to do this?

[Kristicats in reply to skipwork]

You would need to speak to the consultants secretary before the appointment and let them know where and when your CT scan was done so they can have it sent through. The consultant may want you to have another which could be expensive. Also you’d need to check whether the consultant is specialised specific in bronchiectasis and whether they would need a referral from your GP. Best wishes

[skipwork in reply to Kristicats]

Good point. Thanks for your guidance.

[inhaler1]

Hi, Skipwork, I do not often post but read all posts, I have been diagnosed with Bronchiecstasis for about 15 yrs but may have had it for much longer, i have attended two different Chest clinics and the current on Birmingham Chest Clinic has been very helpful with regular check ups and constant tweaking of medication. On

My last appointment the Consultant sat me down and told me there was not much more he could do as he was not specialize in Bronchiecstasis!! He asked if i would be happy to be transferred to one of the centers in Birmingham where i could get seen by a Bronchiecstasis Specialist. Of course i was delighted with this and am now waiting for an appointment at Heartlands Hospital(No Charge). Hope you can get a referral via your GP.

[Hidden in reply to inhaler1]

Really good to hear that inhaler1. I am with the bronch specialist at the QE. They link with the Heartlands team as all part of the same Trust. Heartlands also supervise the home care system for home IVs so that I can have them under the supervision of my local hospital in Warwick if and when I need them. I hope that this makes a very positive improvement for you.

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply.

[inhaler1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much i am encouraged to hear you are having such positive treatment, the only problem for me now is how soon i will get an appointment due to Covid restrictions but fingers crossed.

Keep safe and well.

[Hidden in reply to inhaler1]

Sadly it will probably be by phone for now. I recommended a friend of mine to my bronch consultant. He has had 2 telephone consultations with her but no face to face yet and I will be having my 3rd telephone con next week.

[skipwork in reply to Hidden]

I really need a face to face with a Private Consultant re my brochiectasis. I will ring the Royal Brompton before committing to a consultation.

[Izb1 in reply to inhaler1]

Thats cheering to read inhaler1, my respirstory consultant said there was nothing else he could do for me as my bronchiectasis was mild and discharged me x