Private Rheumatology appointment

[Funkyweirdo]

After waiting months for an appointment on NHS I've decided to go privately. This is a lot of money for me and so am really keen to get the most out of it. Half an hour doesn't seem anywhere near the time I'd need to explain all of my symptoms amd get some answers. I'm certain I have Lupus or Sjogrens. I want a diagnosis so I can hopefully start some sort of treatment as joint pain getting worse. Symptoms ongoing for years, but never all looked at together. I have had positive antibody tests. Any tips on preparing for the appointment? I'll write questions down obviously. Should I take copies of blood tests? Thanks for your help in advance. Kate

[Freckle1000]

Hello Funky - I'm from Australia- but if things there are anything like here - going private is the right choice. The public system is here is an overcrowded chaotic mess.

Not to be too cynical but Doctors tend to be a bit more polite in the private system - but it's always a good idea to have as much of your medical record on hand with you if needed.

I'm not always eloquent at apointments so if the Doctor's a bit inpatient or feral I often just hand over my questions and keep a second copy for myself to ensure some quality control.

Good luck getting some answers.

[cathie in reply to Freckle1000]

Our NHS is working very well thanks very much - at least here in Scotland

[Freckle1000 in reply to cathie]

That's good to hear. You're very fortunate.

[CecilyParsley]

Hi Funky Weirdo ( love the name) If you see a Rheumatologist privately at an NHS hospital my understanding ( someone will correct ne if I am wrong) is that they have access to your notes , whereas if you see them at a private hospital they have no access. Recently a private consultant I saw had to write to my Consultants for info.This took time and meant I needed three appointments, all costing me £200-£160 a time. Given that I would get photocopies of anything you feel absolutely relevant and do a bullet point summary of what symptoms you have had, how long they last and what medications you have tried. This will allow the Consultant to quickly assess where you are now and have tine to examine you.

The one benefit of having a private consultation within an NHS hospital is that you can be seen on the following appointment as an NHS patient. Certainly this has been the case for me.

Good luck, let us know how you get on xx

[AgedCrone]

Your first move should be to get a complete costing from your consultant’s secretary. The initial fee will usually only be for a face to face consultation & advice. Anything further like blood tests will be extra, so do have up to date blood & other test results to take with you to your consult.

Has your present doctor done investigations for Lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome? If not do ask the secretary how much they will cost.

Also - make sure your consultant has a NHS practice that you can be trans referred to…but if treatment is advised you won’t necessarily be transferred immediately…you will have join the consultant’s NHS waiting list ..I,m afraid seeing a doctor privately does not jump the queue unless you remain a Private patient.

Good Luck, I hope youn get some satisfactory answers.

[Mamasquidy]

Email a list of your symptoms/problems, medical conditions etc. to the Rheumatologist ahead of your appointment. I did this with my NHS rheumy and although he didn't get a chance to read it prior to the appointment it did speed things up and I got across all my points. Good luck

[Funkyweirdo]

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the time you've taken to read and reply. Reading other posts I know I'm just at the start of this journey.

[Mctd]

I was in your situation up until a couple of years ago, when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I went private to see my rheumatologist, he accessed my NHS records at my appointment, I had written a list of everything that was going on (it was long...) and passed them to him. After a discussion and an exam he diagnosed Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, with secondary Fybromyalgia. It was such a relief I cried on the spot, it was great to finally have someone confirm I wasn't going mad! That was the start of my journey, he put me on some meds and put me on his NHS waiting list I saw him 8 weeks later, things improved but he tweaked my meds again. I was meant to see him 6 months later but was never sent an appointment... Fast forward 18 months, still nothing, so I decided to go see him privately again as other symptoms had started to appear. I had blood tests £580... but was diagnosed with Sjogrens at this point. Worth to get a diagnosis but nearly £1000 worse off. I'm now back on his NHS list, it an administration error, so fingers crossed I will see hom next month!