Seeking a private rheumatologist to help diagnose ?PMR

[Mashed]

Further to my last post and the helpful advice from everyone I’m thinking of seeking a private appointment with a rheumatologist. I live in Farnham in Surrey and would travel 1.5 hours distance if anybody knows of any they feel may be a good option to try I would be really grateful. Do you need a GP referral letter? Also do you have to pay for treatment and monitoring etc if they do diagnose PMR or will they diagnose and recommend treatment but my ongoing care goes back to GP.??Not sure I can afford all of that but happy to pay for an initial assessment and diagnosis.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No question - Rod Hughes at Chertsey! He will write to your GP and give his diagnosis as far as I know.

There are several on the forum who have travelled much more than 40mins to see him.

[Mashed in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much I’m on it right now!

[piglette]

You can book an appointment with Rod Hughes yourself and not go through your GP, just phone his secretary. Allow up to £250 for an appointment I would have thought. As PMRPro says Rod Hughes will send a letter to your GP. finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultan...

[borednow]

I've had occasion to make a couple of private consultations over the last couple of years (different consultants). I went direct to my local Nuffield, they were very helpful, appointments made within a couple of days and the charge was £250 each time. Prescription given, letter sent to GP and all was well. Interestingly enough, my GP has never referred to them possibly because one of them was a misdiagnosis on his part.

[Viveka]

Rod likes an initial in person visit and after that it is by phone as and when you need it. The initial cost for me was around £250, may have gone up. Follow ups by phone are around £150. If it all goes smoothly you may never need a follow up. It is just peace of mind to know that someone understanding is around if you need some support. I had a couple of flares and developed PMR from GCA so needed to talk to him.

He writes to your GP who then prescribes the pred, so no cost other than appointment - if its straightforward PMR.

Best take any documentation on your illness with you. I got a GP referral, but I'm not sure that is neccesary. I wanted to keep her in the loop.

Here is is secretary Jody Evans's phone number. Best way to make enquiries. 02070313403. He used to have a fab website but it is gone. Perhaps he is overwhelmed by work from the likes of us!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viveka]

Yes, I'm not impressed by the loss of his website either!!! Did they sort out the problem not being notified from that other private listing website? But going stright to Jodie is always the best idea,

[Viveka in reply to PMRpro]

I don't know, and one time I forgot I had Jodie's direct line and it was really difficult to get hold of him. I was a bit panicky, to be honest, but once I got Jodie it was clear it was business as usual. If I need to ring I'll ask but hoping not to!

I don't know what we'll do without Rod as a back up. March, or hobble, on NHSE's HQ perhaps.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viveka]

I think the goodies like Rod, Sarah, Max and their foreign colleagues like Claire Owen in Oz and Christian here in Italy need to start up a specialist online forum for doctors to join and learn the way to really deal with PMR ...

[Viveka in reply to PMRpro]

That is such a good idea!

If we had trouble we could refer docs too it. At least it would be there and it may help with junior docs. (I fear most consultants are so arrogant they would not be interested.)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viveka]

Sarah and I thought as a special interest club so they think they are missing something if they don't join it! I agree with the arrogant ones though ...

[Baner]

I saw Rod Hughes in June and was very impressed. The phone number I have for his secretary Jody is 01932 877313.