You couldn't make this up!

[LupusKaren]

So I paid privately to see a Gastroenterologist. Recommends Endoscopy, and will do it on NHS. Request denied by hospital. My GP has to refer to the SAME consultant in a clinic, few months away, where the advice will be same. Tell me, how is this saving NHS money and resources? I am beyond frustrated.

[KayHimm]

Totally agree. We have this issue in the U.S. with insurance companies. The insurance companies often reject a doctor’s request for a procedure. The doctors have to hire people to fight the insurance companies, and after all of that waste of money, the insurance company tends to relent. Some in the U.S. are proposing « bundled services. » That would mean one total cost of treating a patient, and the doctor would make the decisions about referrals, tests and procedures. I feel for you. You need the test and should not have to be in this position.

[PMRpro]

I suppose it could be said that a single appointment privately would mean you can jump the queue for the consultant decision and so shorten the path to the scope... It's all appalling anyway - and it won't improve of a hurry I fear...

[LupusKaren in reply to PMRpro]

Yes can agree with that point, but the reason on this occasion I went privately, is because (a) I was being gaslighted and (b) referred back to my GP without ever having an opportunity for follow-up, after scant diagnostics have not resolved my problems.

[PMRpro in reply to LupusKaren]

But at least you have got past that now? And complaint time????

[LupusKaren in reply to PMRpro]

Trying to get past it, but being honest it is not just the one dept, it has been a tortuous time for me since Dec, what with misdiagnosis, and spinal fractures, missed, suffering badly with medical PTSD, I have lost a lot of faith and confidence. Day at a time.

Complaint has been lodged by my GP, but as yet no response.

[Wendy39]

Hello

I can believe it. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt as they say.

It shouldn’t be happening to any of us.

We all seem to face so many hurdles and obstacles with lupus care. It doesn’t seem fair.

Best wishes

Wendy x

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to Wendy39]

It’s a new disease every day.

[Hidden]

And I’m beyond frustrated for you too😡😱X

[Hidden]

I often say, "integrative service/internal referrals to specialists" via Rheumatology should be given to all autoimmune patients. I often feel that busy GPs should not need to deal with these "systemic" issues that Rheumatology is ultimately responsible for these issues. These spin-offs are not separate.

I also had to pay for Cardiologist (again) privately. If NHS accepted integrative care approach, none of this rubbish needs to happen. It's been a major problem for many.

[AndrewT]

Dear LupusKaeen,

I was on Dialysis, for four years, prior to a Kidney Transplant in July 2013. When I was on Dialysis, a lot of, the Staff were 'Agency'. Apparently, most of these Staff, had originally worked Directly for the Dialysis Unit. The Unit then started, to Demand, 'Unsocial' hours on Standard Pay....The staff left, joined the Agency and could then choose there hours. This arrangement, whilst providing enough Staff, cost a 'Fortune'. Had, the Unit, simply let the Staff choose their own hours.....

AndrewT

[Roarah]

(( lupuskaren)). That is just horrible!

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Because the insurance companies create deals with hospitals and clinics for a one time a year payment no matter how many tests are done. Once they go over that number the insurance company no longer is paying anything but don’t be fooled by them. You can’t be charged either if this is the deal. Also make sure there’s no one-time facility fee. Usually runs around $100 and insurance doesn’t pay that.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

As a retired due to lupus health professional I can’t even begin to explain what has to be done to make insurance companies happy. So many people keep the UCTD for so long so the doctor can move around more with possibly helpful medications. It’s infuriating. The only people that win are the insurance companies.