Private Consultant Report

[Bennny]

Has anyone ever had one and if so, how do you go about getting to see a Consultant or Expert Witness privately. Keep taking the Amitriptyline

[Janet28]

Hi Bennny Your GP would probably be able to give you contact details for private consultants, although they refer to NHS Consultants, a lot of them actually do private work as well. I'm not sure what you mean by Expert Witnesses ? May be me having a Fibro fog day lol but if you can elaborate for me pls.so I can answer your question better.

Luv Jan ☺

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi there

I am sorry but I am also a bit confused as to what you are asking.

Are you looking for a Private Rheumatologist?

As Janet28 has said I am confused as well as to what an Expert Witness is.

Lu x

[rosewine]

I have copied this for you from NHS choices:-

"No. You can get private treatment from a consultant or specialist without being referred by your GP.

But the British Medical Association (BMA) believes it's best practice for patients to be referred for specialist treatment by their GP because they know your medical history and can advise you if a referral is necessary.

A referral is also needed by many private practitioners and private medical insurance policies. If you have private medical insurance, ask your insurer if they need a referral.

Getting a referral from your GP

It's best to see your GP first if you're unwell or have symptoms. Talk to them about whether you might need a specialist assessment or treatment.

If your GP thinks you need to see a specialist and you want to pay for it privately, they can write a letter of referral to a private consultant or specialist explaining your condition and your medical history. You won't be charged for this.

Your GP will only refer you to a specialist if they believe that specialist assessment or treatment is necessary. If they don't think it is, they don't have to refer you – either privately or on the NHS.

If you disagree with your GP's decision, you can ask them to refer you to another healthcare professional for a second opinion (an opinion about your health from a different doctor).

Although you don't have a legal right to a second opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for one."

Hope it helps.x

[Jan101]

Morning Bennny

What I have done once I have been referred to a specialist I phone the hospital and get there secretary's phone number and make a private appointment to see them if they do private work. ( but you have to pay ) I have also googled to see what specialist do private work relating to my problem. I then phone and I have always got appointment to see them. At the moment I have made appointment to get a second opinion from one of the doctors that I seen on the NHS and he does private work as well and I am seeing him next Tuesday. It is very surprisingly how quickly you can see a specialist if you pay privately, I phoned last Tuesday and I have appointment this coming Tuesday. Sometimes I feel it is so wrong that if you pay how quickly you can see a doctor and yet you have to wait weeks or even months when you are on the NHS. It's funny how money always talks. I wish you lots of luck and I hope that you see someone very soon. Take good care. Jan101 xxxx

[Bennny in reply to Jan101]

Hi Jan

Thanks fir that. I did try the direct approach but the secretary seemed obtuse in the extreme and kept saying he didn't give advice best thing was to phone CAB or something (that's a lottery too!)

Benny

[TheAuthor]

Hi Bennny

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I was personally referred to my Private Consultant via my GP. They made all of the arrangements for me. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hhhhuiuikki]

Can I ask how much it cost to see them privately?

[Bennny in reply to Hhhhuiuikki]

Hi. Haven’t been to one yet but I believe it’s £300-ish but only guessing

Best of luck

Benny

[Hhhhuiuikki]

Although some people might think it’s unfair or seems obtuse that you can see someone quickly privately isn’t that what we all know already? The NHS is free so I guess you wait your turn as there is only limited capacity. If you’re willing to pay then you create your own slot I guess?