Neuro psychologist

[Furtherout]

Hi,

Our GP has recommended my husband see a Neuro psychologist following ABI after a very serious traffic accident.

He has given us an open referral letter ( we have private medical insurance) but can’t suggest anyone and equally Aviva have told us to do our own research to find a specialist ! Has anyone got any tips on how to find someone ? It does feel as though we have been left entirely to our own devices.

.

[Leaf100]

Hi FurtheroutThat is a useful referral.

Contact Headway - their number is under the pinned post on your right. They should know who is available in your area.

Likely you will have to wait awhile and still worth it.

You can also ask Headway for more info on the process. I am in Canada so I know what they are but not how they might function in the UK.

Generally they assess and can recommend treatment. They can't do medications - a neuropsychiatrist does that.

Leaf

[Hidden]

Basically the GP is saying if you want to see a neuropsychologist you can pay for one. Your insurance is saying the same thing, if you want to see one pay for it. Your insurance will probably say that they will reimburse you (but you know what insurance companies are like).

GP's can and do arrange private referrals easily (they get a cut).

This sounds a bit weird, there's something else going on here.

[7HT-]

Go to PHIN.org to pick the consultant you want to see, (otherwise if you ask Aviva, they may just check who is closest to your address and send you to that one), then ring Aviva to let them know & get the claim/ref number (this number is their authorisation for private consultation, so they’ll pay directly to the consultant -there maybe an excess for you to pay).

Double check with Aviva, and make sure you understand what your policy covers & excess are.

I have it through work and it works like that, but yours maybe different.

Many consultants work with Aviva, but not all. Make sure Aviva confirms your chosen one does.

Normally, I would expect for Aviva & others to not pay for the consultant if your GP hasn’t referred you first (probably because your GP can see you and verify you need the referral), so people won’t be referring themselves for all sorts of treatments.

[Teazymaid]

hi I’m not sure where you live but I’m in uk and have also been advised to see one from the private neurologist I saw .. he said this is available on the nhs and my GP couldn’t get me into one in Cornwall but has know tried Derriford Devon ans they have me in a waiting list I have rang them daily this week since I found out left messages etc and no reply as yet .. this was my consultant Neurologist who also said ask at Derriford .. u want to know how long the waiting list is or I will be going Private once again and this is for the same neuropsychological that he recommended. .. Sue 😊

[Katie55]

I would ring the main hospital in your area and ask to speak to PALS …I think it stands for Patient Liaison Services They will help you

[westbury200]

Try your regional NHS Neurological Rehabilitation Unit. You will need a referral from your GP or Neurologist.

[Ideogram in reply to westbury200]

Did you see a neuropsychologist through yours? My local brain injury unit seemed to be separate from them (unless they just didn't think I was a priority for neuropsych).