Private Cardiology

[tor3]

Has anyone paid for a private cardiologist assessment/appointment? Could you let me know what sort of price you paid? I understand its different for everyone, location, company etc but just wanted a rough idea.

[Ageingfast]

Hello tor3

I saw my cardiologist when covid was closing all heart hospitals.

I needed the op immediately so it was pay private or, to be blunt, die.

The worse thing is that there is little prior knowledge of costs.

My final bill was £42,000.

If I did not take the private route then my pension would cease on death. I have already got my£42,000 paid to me in pensions.

I did receive wonderful care in the private hospital. The staff were really great.

My fees included the three outpatient tests. And two consultants, one to discuss an AVR and the other to discussTAVi. And one week recovery in hospital. Plus ambulance to take me home.

I never have got any rehab.

The individual tests were approx £1,800. Each. The consultants fees were £7,000, including the surgery.

Best wishes

[bridgeit]

I've not seen a cardiologist privately, but I've certainly seen a few other specialists and had many tests both as an insured patient and self-funder, so can give you some idea of costs for self-funders:Specialist consultation - about £250 for the first, approx. £150 thereafter. Some consultants charge more, but I've found that they're all clear about their fees. I've found consultant fees are usually the same for insured and self-funders.

Tests (always extra) - e.g. bloods: can be anything from £100 up to £500 depending upon complexity.

MRI scan - from £1000 to £1700 depending upon complexity (contrasted/venogram etc.)

CT scan - between £1000 and £1200, again depending upon complexity

As you thought though, regional scan costs can vary widely. My costs were for Spire/Nuffield down south. I've found that private medical scans elsewhere can be cheaper, so it pays to shop around if that option is open to you travel-wise.

Some chains, such as Spire/Nuffield, occasionally offer a heart check package to check general heart health. It's probably best to ask local private hospitals to see if they have something on offer and at what price.

I've found that private providers tend to charge a lot less for insured patients as they negotiate good deals with insurers. Self-funders tend to be charged higher rates, even as a private patient in an NHS hospital.

Hope this is helpful.

[tor3 in reply to bridgeit]

Thank you so much Bridgeit.

[Hidden]

Try the Spire Health site.

Otherwise first appointment fees with any consultant are currently of the order of £200 for a first appointment, thereafter £150, although you may pay more dependant on where you go. All tests and treatments extra.

You may need a GP referral, even though you are paying.

[tor3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have a referral but cannot wait so this route seems the best.

[Sljp0000]

I had a private cardiologist appointment last week. Just talking for 30 mins. It was £205. That was at the private arm of our local NHS hospital.

[tor3 in reply to Sljp0000]

Thank you

[tor3]

Thank you for adding the link. I will definitely take a look.

[mathematics]

We paid 200 pound for an initial consultation and it was wealth worth it we chose a cardiologist who specialised in what my husband was suffering from and angiograms and stents which was what my husband needed. We did not need a doctors note to go either my husband was already on an urgent waiting list to see a cardiologist which was 16 months long. All the best. It turned out my husbands stents were failing and he needed re stenting as his artery was 99% blocked.

[Markp7119]

You should not pay anymore than £200When I saw mine he charged £150

Hope this helps

[avcalv]

Yes I have seen 1 I paid £225 , but they can range from 200 to 300 I believe.

[Visigoth]

I paid £200.

[Wenlock]

Go on line to Aintree hospital NHS.....link to Private hospital part..a list of charges is available..no charge. Good luck.

[winniebago]

In December 2020 out of the blue I suffered a TIA. I’m 79 years old. Hospitals in strict COVID lockdown. Long story short I was a very fit lady until then but it was identified at hospital that my own doctor had prescribed twice the correct dose of Thyroxine for almost a year! Was taken off immediately and prescribed Valium for a few days to help control my overworked heart. Diagnosed as SEVERE heart failure. Lots of additional problems have ensued. A further small stroke, very severe balance issues (still can’t walk confidently anymore), extreme dizziness, peripheral nerve damage legs and feet. Became housebound, had to give up driving. NHS overrun at the time so went private. Fantastic cardiologist. My heart is now classified as “MILDLY” impaired”. Because I was fit I didn’t have any clots, no narrowed arteries so had to be treated purely with medication. He charges £140 per meeting; I’ve had 3 Echocardiograms at £325 a time and my big one at £2,225 for an angiogram. Not been cheap but the NHS have given me a TELEPHONE appointment twice a year since. The one this year, I couldn’t make out a word he was saying! I was advised by my own doctor to keep in the NHS loop as well for free prescriptions etc. Good luck. I’ve spent about £6,000 but I felt it was no good saving for holidays, leaking roof etc if I wasn’t alive to enjoy.

[richard_jw]

I have seen 3 different cardiologists.Typically initial appointment is £200-250 follow ups are typically £150.

When you go, remember that the cardiologist may not have access to any tests etc. you have had done on the NHS. If you have any letters from NHS cardiologists etc. and can provide results of any tests (blood etct. done by your GP recently), that would help. I would not be surprised if before you see the guy, he will want an ECG done, which will cost around £25.

Also to get best value from the appointment it's worth making a list of symptoms, and questions to ask. The secretary might suggest getting the above to her before the appointment

Websites like Mayo clinic give you some pointers about how to prepare

[Coxtribe]

Hi there. Shortly after my MI, I did see a consultant cardiologist privately for a second opinion. It cost £170 for a half hour session plus written assessment. The price range was £170 - £250. I live in Nottinghamshire. It was money well spent because they referred me for a cardiac MRI on the NHS, which I had within weeks rather than months.