hi can anyone tell me how to go about private opinion andhow much it will cost thx

[maggied54]

[Hidden]

Someone else might be able to give you a better answer but you could go through your GP or else, telephone BUPA and ask them, you aren't tied to going to them just because you ask a question. Good Luck!

[Tigerlily4]

It's really quite easy Maggie. Find a consultant online who specialises in lupus then make an appointment to see your GP and ask him or her to write them a "letter of referral". Once that's been done you're free to see the consultant privately. Mine charges £160 per session and is happy to spend as much time with his private patients as they need. Money very well spent in certain circumstances.

[uzi41 in reply to Tigerlily4]

Hi I wonder if i may ask if you are also being seen at an NHS hospital to. And will the private consultation undermine the NHS. Only say this because I don't want to upset anyone. Thank you

[Purpletop in reply to uzi41]

I combine the two - I've been referred by the GP to a rheumatologist of my choice that I see privately. I pay for the consultation but any blood tests are done by the GP. If there is something wrong with the blood tests I speak to the rheumatologist. The GP is kept informed with all that is going on through letters after each consultation (that I get copies of too). Everyone is happy - I get to see a specialist in the time frame I want (pretty much in the same week I call for an appointment), the GP isn't using his budget to refer me or prescribe medication, the NHS isn't spending its money to get a consultant to see me but contribute to my care by doing the blood tests (as it should, given that I've paid my taxes like everyone else).

The only way you can 'undermine' the NHS, as you put it, is if you see the same consultant both privately and through NHS. Sometimes in chronic illnesses medical insurance only cover diagnosis, after which you chose either to see the same specialist that you saw privately on NHS OR privately but not both.

[uzi41 in reply to Purpletop]

Going private is something I want to do. But feel that my consultant isn't really helping me. Maybe im asking for too much. But at the same time I need to get my life into gear. Thank you for your reply.

[mstr in reply to Purpletop]

Ah....wish I had thought of doing this. I did see someone privately back at the beginning for one appointment but then I was waiting for a referral to a NHS rheumy (who turned not to be not very good). A good year and a half wasted until I asked for a NHS referral to a consultant recommended on the St Thomas' UK lupus specialist list.

[mstr in reply to mstr]

Ah...pressed to early for my reply. I wish I had thought of this idea as it sounds so good. I have a good consultant now who is a specialist, however, I do think a private consultation would offer more due to the fact that we are paying. It's worth bearing in mind though.

[maggied54 in reply to uzi41]

hi yes i do see rheumy at nhs

[Tigerlily4 in reply to uzi41]

I see the same Rheumatologist via NHS too Uzi but his list is so huge now I only get 10 minutes with him once a year and another few minutes six or seven months later with his registrar. In this situation, seeing him privately is sometimes necessary for me. Theoretically, it oughtn't to put anyone's nose out of joint at the NHS if you see a consultant privately but I can imagine it might pose some problems if you're seeing two separate Rheumatologists. However, if you're not happy with the one you have via NHS, consulting one who specialises in lupus privately is a very good idea. Provided they have an NHS practice, they'll invariably be happy to transfer you to it. You can opt to be treated by whomever you like via the NHS so shop around!

[Hidden in reply to Tigerlily4]

Hello tigerlily

I like your answer about going private as my rheumy does both nhs and private care but what I need to know is does your private appointment include the blood and urine test in the price you quoted £160 or is that extra because I would really like to see my rheumy privately so I can have more time with better communication .

Thanks xx

[Tigerlily4 in reply to Hidden]

It doesn't include tests, x-rays or anything else Pinky and £160 is just what mine charges per private consultation. Other Rheumatologists might charge more or less. You can clarify charges with the consultant's secretary at the private hospital before making an appointment. However, they are able to access your NHS test results via your GP. In fact, your GP will probably send your NHS test results to them when they refer you if it's not a consultant you've seen previously. Hope that helps.

[maggied54]

thx so much this is my first time asking a ? on here

[Tigerlily4 in reply to maggied54]

You're very welcome x

[uzi41]

Very good Q. One I have been thinking about for a while. X

[Hidden]

Hello I too really want a private consultation with a lupus specialist I don't find my local rhuemy very helpful at all and is so quick you are in and out in minutes.

I have so many questions and would love a specialists to just listen and treat me like a person who is still struggling with pain.

I know you can get a referral to the lupus centre in London next to at thomas hospital which I will call to see how much it is for a one off appointment I think it could be worth the money I know they do every test possible and then talk to you about treatment.

Good luck with your research.

[maggied54 in reply to Hidden]

hi please let us know the outcome thx

[Hidden in reply to maggied54]

Hi just to let you know that the lupus centre in london PRIVATE treatment costs £230 for appointment then a further £420 for bloods then a further £195 for a second appointment to talk about what they have found. But if further tests are needed like X-ray ect then you are looking at a very expensive private appointment. If still interested then you can call them direct and arrange an appointment and if you are paying in full not by insurance you

Don't need a referral.

Sadly too pricey for me you are looking at nearly £1000.

[maggied54 in reply to Hidden]

thx Pinky but that is to pricey for me to

[seekingfreedom]

Please dont stress about upsetting medics. I went privately after being constantly let down. I did this through my husbands medical insurance.

I was diagnosed, but my insurance doesnt cover medications (im on hydroxy and steroids now). So the private consulatnt gave me an option of either transferring to him in his NHS practice or taking his letter to the next apt at the orginal apt.

Having been messed around so much, i opted to transfer my care. I also wrote to the original consultant to explain exactly why i did that.

Good luck - NB I also rang Lupus UK to get a list of recommended rheumys in that area.

[Heatheric]

you need to be aware that in England at least (not sure about Scotland and Wales as they have different systems) you have the right to be referred to any NHS consultant - so check with local people with lupus, pick a rheumatologist who specialises in lupus, and has a specialist nurse and you should get the service you need. I got a referral to Addenbrookes which is about a 2 hour journey for me but as my lupus is 'quiet' (I don't like to say mild!) I've negotiated a consultant appointment by telephone in 18 months time, but in the meantime if I have any problems I just call the specialist nurse. It works for me.

[maggied54]

thx everyone for your replies