Private Health care for second opinion

[Pinkglitter93]

Has anyone used private health care for a second opinion? I’m 7 weeks post Fibroscan and still nothing in writing. I had a call from a hepatologist last week. He hadn’t seen the scan either but said based on my memory of it I have Cirrhosis. I want someone to give me a proper diagnosis. Bupa have agreed but they only give you the details of local doctors to book through. My local area isn’t specialised for liver and there is only 1 doctor to book through. I’m worried I’ll end up seeing the same doctor who fobbed me off last week. He didn’t give me his name.

[cruiseladies]

Hi I'm waiting to see specialist for NALD had my Fibroscan on 4th August and appointment is 13th November (14 weeks later) I was given the diagnosis of F4 Cirrhosis by the person who did the scan, but NO help or advice, she was very judgemental I left the hospital feeling very shocked. good luck with your journey.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to cruiseladies]

Gosh that sounds worse waiting that length of time. At least hepatology have spoken to me, albeit a pointless conversation. I hope you get some answers soon. The wait is awful.

[Twig1]

Hi.

After being bounced around several departments at my local hospital, with none taking ownership, I went for a private consultation.

I forwarded as much information as possible prior to the visit and when there was asked to start at the beginning of my journey and just talk.

It was half hour in total but I left with an explanation of what had gone on, answers to my questions and an action plan to move forward.

I am back in the NHS awaiting a consultation but the report and recommendations report has been attached to my GP referral.

I went to The London Bridge Hospital which is part of the HCA Healthcare group.

Well worth the money, time and effort.

Hope this helps.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to Twig1]

Thank you. I’m happy to travel but Bup will only cover the doctors list they provide you with, which is basically one local doctor.

[PutneyGirl]

Yes, I had a fibroscan privately at 1 Welbeck, nr Harley Street. The fibroscan and consultation was about £525. I am covered by insurance. I was given the result and advice there and then and had a copy of the scan report and covering letter within 48 hours. Good luck.

As an aside, when dealing with the NHS I find a very polite letter setting out your requests and understanding and requesting an answer within ten working days, sent by registered Royal Mail with a very polite call to make sure it's with the right person two days after the tracker has confirmed delivery very helpful. It provides a firm audit trail and puts a thoughtful piece of paper in the hands of a relevant human.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to PutneyGirl]

Sounds like a good idea. My GP sent a letter recently and that did get me an appointment. However, the appointment was pointless as the Consultant hadn’t accessed my Fibroscan.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear pinkglitter93

If you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Ubwa]

I used a private hepatologist to manage my cirrhosis until it looked like I needed a tp. Was great, he also worked at the local tp hospital so there was some level of continuity of care.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to Ubwa]

That’s helpful thought to know about the continuity of care. Thank you

[AnxiousPete]

I find it puzzling that the nurse who carried out your NHS fibroscan didn't give you your results there and then. I thought this was standard practice and is what happens in my hospital.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to AnxiousPete]

Hi, she did tell me my results. My score was 13.9 and I can’t exactly remember the CAP score. But all the questioned I had to ask she just said ‘I’m not a hepatologist’. So I waited 6 weeks for a hepatologist appointment. It was a telephone appointment. He couldn’t see the Fibroscan result but said based on my memory of the scan I have Cirrhosis. He was very blunt and his only advice was ‘eat less calories’ and they’ll see me again in 6 months. So I’ve been told I have cirrhosis with no idea if the stage and level of damage. No idea if it is reversible. No idea of the risks

[AnxiousPete in reply to Pinkglitter93]

That is awful. I would contact the PALS service at your hospital to register a complaint as it does not sound like the correct NHS NICE process is being followed. You shoukd be having full blood profile tests for liver. You also should be having a gastroscopy to check for varices, a DEXA bone scan and an ultrasound scan to check for HCC. My fibroscan nurse wrote my results down and gave me an interpretation chart. Fibroscan alone is not sufficient to diagnose cirrhosis and I would certainly be raising this with your GP. Good luck and I hope you get a speedy resolution.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to AnxiousPete]

Thank you. That’s very helpful. I’ll be looking at the nice guidance. I did have a LFT prior to an op in May (for an unrelated issue) and that was normal. I also had a MRI with contrast, which was normal. He just said Fibroscan was best measure, even though he’d not actually seen the results. I do know there is something going on as I can feel it under my ribs.

[AnxiousPete in reply to Pinkglitter93]

I think MRI is usually pretty accurate in diagnosing cirrhosis and if that did not show up then that is good news. Standard LFTs at the GPs are a pretty crude measure and can be normal unless there is some liver failure or infection. A consultant should request a full liver blood profile that includes a wider range of tests. These are used in people with cirrhosis to assess scores such as MELD/ UKELD and Child-Pugh score. Ultrasound will show evidence of other problems such as tumour or enlargement of liver and other organs so you could request that. If there is a positive cirrhosis diagnosis NICE says 6 monthly US scans are required to monitor for hepatocellular cancer.

[Pinkglitter93]

Update. I’ve managed to get an appointment with the local Private Consultant. 22nd January 2024 is the first available appointment!!