Private thyroid care - any tips please

[Insomania]

Hi, I'm resigned to having to go private to get any help with my thyroid symptoms but I'm really worried about costs escalating with private blood tests, prescriptions, meds, adjustments, etc.

I've got the Thyroid UK list and have identified two different options. My dilemma is whether to go to:

- a private endocrinologist Dr face-to-face at a nearby private hospital or

- a telehealth private GP practice which specialises in thyroid

The telehealth GP does a free consult so I can get a better idea of costs upfront. No GP referral letter needed.

The endocrinologist also works in NHS so is going to be known and respected locally and I therefore may be able to switch back into the NHS at a later point? GP referral needed (£40+). Around £280 for initial consult.

Any advice please on the different types of private thyroid care?

THANK YOU

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

I've only seen a private Endo who does also work in the NHS. I'm lucky as he only wanted to see me in person for the first appointment and has since done things by email when I have sent him medichecks blood results. He does reserve the right to call me in or do a virtual appointment at any time.

Phone or email the secretaries of both and get an idea of how often they will want to see you, as that is a great expense although usually slightly cheaper after the first appointment.

Ask how much they charge for a prescription & can you take it where you want to get it dispensed.

Start a new post asking for peoples experiences by personal message about the two options you have chosen.

[Insomania in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you jaydee1507, really helpful.

[HandS]

I can’t really advise on which route to choose but I saw a private Endo for over 10 years and only ever paid for an annual consultation : he wrote to my GP and told him what to prescribe - and all were made available on NHS prescriptions . So with asking . Wishing you good luck

[Insomania in reply to HandS]

Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I would write in your request…..either post or email

You are legally entitled to copies of test results and ranges

[Insomania in reply to SlowDragon]

Will do, thank you.

[Regenallotment]

I went with telehealth consult with Roseway labs. £30 phone call, £75 for prescription and 3 month’s supply. I currently get T4 via NHS. I had to arrange and send details of my latest blood test (£32 ) and fill in a long form about symptoms and supplements. 🌱

[arTistapple]

Always always understand that treatment by private endos is expensive and follow ups etc involve further expense, even just to ask a question! However most importantly their ability to follow up, if/when there are problems is very limited and means eventually relying on the NHS to step in. Always always remember, most of them are trained by our very own NHS and their views and knowledge are often limited by that. It’s not always a wonderful outcome. I went really because my poor husband was feeling the strain (of me wanting to get better) but even he was shocked by the lack of support. Not so very different to the NHS itself.

I do not intend this to be off putting, just that it should be considered in your decision making!