Private laparoscopy- back to NHS?

[PICKANDMIX811]

After being palmed off by my NHS GP for years I eventually decided to book a private appointment via health insurance which I'm covered for via work. Within weeks I'd had an ultrasound, 2 appointments and booked in for my laparoscopy, the consultant was absolutely amazing! They found endo throughout my pelvis, on my ovaries and adhesions on my bowel which were all removed as best as possible. I've had such a big improvement in symptoms since, but informed I would possibly need another surgery if things get worse again. My concern is now that as I've had the diagnosis confirmed, it's also been confirmed I'm no longer covered by insurance. I understand I'm very lucky to have had the option of private in the first place. But now when I need intervention again I'll have to go back to the NHS, and after having some really awful experiences (as I know lots on here will relate to) I'm worried that I won't be given the option of surgery again. I will ask to change GPs at the very least because my old one actually said the words "it's in your head".

Does anyone have any experience of going from private back to NHS care?

[Pumpkin93]

Are you sure insurance wouldn’t cover it? It depends who you’re with maybe. But I’ve read it as they won’t pay for continued treatment (drugs etc) but acute treatments that can have a long term benefit are covered e.g another surgery.

There are endo specialists in the nhs but I expect you would have a wait. I am the same as you had it all done privately. Hoping not to need more treatment anytime soon though!

[PICKANDMIX811 in reply to Pumpkin93]

Unfortunately they confirmed on the phone as I was booking in my surgery that I'm not covered for any treatment relating to the condition. I'm with Vitality through work.

[Luna-24]

I have. Did the first surgery private, had endometriosis confirmed and removed and then 4-5 years later (now) I was having issues again went back to my GP. I made sure I mention confirmed endometriosis where possible but I was sent for scans through NHScan referred to gyno, who has put me on the list for a second surgery. This was a bit tricky as I never saw the same/spoke to the sane doctor 🙄. But got there in end. However the wait time is long and I have herd nothing since

[Avourneen]

Almost no insurance covers chronic conditions or existing conditions, but you could just pay directly for private treatment that is what I have done. At least now if you go back to the NHS you have proof there is a problem and GPS should refer you directly to a consultant. You can also always see a consultant privately, and the same consultant will usually operate on you on the NHS so you don't have to pay for the operation but you will avoid the wait to see a consultant on the NHS but will still have the wait for the op. The main issue though is will you be referred to a surgeon who is any good or knows about endo ? With the NHS you will get whoever the local gynae is with no guarantee he/she is an endo specialist.If your operation has gone well you should be okay for a few years, but I have heard of a few people who had a big excision and have been endo free for a long time.

Definitely change your GP though, I'd actually book an appointment with him/her and say look you didn't listen to my symptoms and I was really really ill. Please listen to the next woman who tells you this and take them seriously. I put in a complaint to the GMC about my GP because of this and he wrote a huge long letter apologising and perhaps he/she will listen next time.

Good luck. XX

[Katel10]

I also had a private laparoscopy but needed 2 years follow-up. The private surgeon also has an NHS clinic so he referred me to that himself when I told him I needed to return to NHS system.

[Lindle]

NHS treatment criteria varies wherever you are in the UK. Are you in England?