Private treatment when on biologics

[nanawilson]

Hi going back to my previous post has anyone gone private after being with nhs did it affect biologic drugs etc. I’ve been put on my husbands policy but I’m not sure to go down this route incase it affects the treatments I receive now heads in a spin 🙈🤷‍♀️

[Hidden]

It will depend on the policy you have and maybe just a call to see what options they do, as I presume as RA any change of drugs would be gradual as they need to get to know you. Maybe run as a tandem line day to day NHS in a bad flare need urgent consult go private.

And yes appreciate this could be worse way of doing it but some research into it might give you a calm base to work from. Plus getting some additional support from the private insurance scheme to back up the NHS care plan.

[nanawilson in reply to Hidden]

Yes thanks very much for reply I just need some extra input I feel I wait to long to be seen and then it’s always a locum who tells me my treatment is working it is now just damage causing pain but they are just looking at blood results which have always shown to be fine when obviously they haven’t been hence erosions and damage 😡

[weathervane]

I saw a rheumy privately who diagnosed me with Sjögrens then advised me to go through nhs for further treatment as I required rituximab which couldnt be carried out privately . While on rituximab I slipped a disc and had surgery privately, the two consultants communicated well as i had low white cell count which delayed surgery, there were never any issues.

I hope you are able to get things sorted and everything goes smoothly for you 🌸

[nanawilson in reply to weathervane]

Thank you very much for reply hopefully it will x

[helixhelix]

Look at the policy details for coverage of chronic conditions, and for pre-exisiting conditions. If you have only just been put on your husband’s policy you might find all treatment for pre-existing RA is excluded.

And generally most private policies won’t cover long term chronic conditions, apart from (for example) specific treatment for a flare, like an appointment, a scan and a steroid jab. So biologic drugs aren’t available privately.

But the cost can be worth it for diagnostic stages.

[nanawilson]

Yes I already have my treatments from nhs including biologics. I just feel let down by rheumatology at the minute due to staff crisis so would like more opinions of a private rheumatologist thanks for reply x

[Barrister]

Most private health care in the U.K. doesn’t cover medication so I would recommend keeping the NHS onside for the biologics and keep the private rheumatologist for a back up. My husband was working abroad and his healthcare covered me which was great as it even covered me for biologics but when he changed jobs, it took 4 months to get an appointment with the NHS and then another 2 months to get the prescribed biologics.

Clemmie

[nanawilson]

Yes I definitely don’t want to lose nhs up until recently I have had no complaints at all it is just for a back up for a rheumatologist and further surgeries. Thank you for your reply x

[AgedCrone in reply to nanawilson]

Definitely don’t rely on private insurance paying for RA related joint surgeries.....they have really clamped on that down lately.

[Bluepegasus]

I was private for a while, although not on biologics. There was no Rheumatology nurse available but I did have much easier and more regular access to the consultant than I do now under the nhs.

[nanawilson in reply to Bluepegasus]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I just want to know if needed I will be seen as my hospital are failing at the minute in rheumatology x

[AgedCrone]

Be very careful before you abandon the NHS....Private medical insurance won’t pay for outpatient drugs....they also will only pay for certain treatment /procedures forRA as they don’t fund incurable diseases...........do get your husband to check very carefully with the person who administers his company medical insurance scheme that you will be fully covered as you have a pre existing condition.

Plus you have to apply to the NHS for funding Biologics drugs.......unless the rules have changed recently you can only get them on the NHS.

So take care!

[nanawilson]

I’m on biologic drugs now and totally will stay with nhs this will just be used as a back up thank you for your reply