Hi could someone please tell me how much it would... - LUPUS UK
Hi could someone please tell me how much it would cost to go private; as I think it is time for me to take another route .
I initially went private and got my diagnosis. I paid £200 and it was the best money I've every spent. Do you have a diagnosis? Spend some time researching a rheumatologist which specialises in the condition you suspect you have. Good luck.
I know how you feel and good advice check out the consultant I went to see a pain specialist he charges £110.00 they all charge different go and Google Nuffield hospital see if they have one in your area the have a list of Doctors and what they do if you ring them they will tell you how much it will cost good luck. x
Marfin
Hi, I have made an appointment to see Rheumatologist privately on Tuesday next week, I have no idea as yet how much this will cost but feel if I'm paying someone, at least they have to listen to what I am saying, I was diagnosed with polycythemia in 2012 but my consultant doesn't feel that all my symptoms are related to this but dismisses lupus as dose my GP but nether is coming up with any answers. I'm at my wits end feel so ill and have been off work since last September.
Hi Maggied54 and so sorry to hear you are to even thinking about seeing someone privately. I used to think private medicine was the way forward for me but it was the worse thing I could have done. All I found were doctors who were only interested in me whilst they were being paid huge fees - as soon as the money dried up, so did their interest and their care. I went back to the NHS and I have had just the best treatment ever since. Whenever I see my consultant or one of his team I know they are actually interested in my case, not in my ability to pay outrageous bills. Good luck and I really wish you well xx
I'm in two minds about private consultations. After many years of symptoms I was referred to a rheumatologist. He was interested, listened to me and I felt he was taking all the symptoms seriously whereas the GP didn't seem to think they were linked. He arranged a raft of tests over the next six months - MRI, ultrasound, X-rays, more blood tests than I'd had in years and a planned referral to an eye specialist. I could never have afforded to pay for this treatment if I had gone privately. Unfortunately he moved on (never got to see the eye specialist!!) and then I got a new rheumy who dismissed everything I said. Appointments are few and far between, although she listened a bit more last month. I have decided to give the NHS a bit longer, but I am now finding the thought of seeing a private specialist more attractive and I may look into this sometime in the future. I hope things go well for you Maggied54.
If you self-pay (as opposed through medical insurance), the consultant fees range between £150 and £250 for one consultation. Full blood tests will cost an additional £800-£1000. Scans, X-rays, etc will be on top of that (MRIs range from £200 to £1500 depending on what is scanned).
Here's what you get for your money: availability of appointments on even a day's notice; ability to see the consultant at any time, not every 6 months as with NHS; in consultation, full focus on your symptoms and full discussion of everything you're worried about; detailed tests and assessment of the results; tailored treatment and choice of medication; ability to rapidly communicate with your consultant through the private secretary (for example if worried about certain side effects you're experiencing in real time); copies of all the scans and blood results for your files; copies of all the correspondence your consultant has with other specialists or GP; speedy referral to other specialists where necessary.
Of course, you still need to stay on top of the appointments and ensure you manage how you communicate your symptoms and what worries you about them.
I use both private pay and NHS, depending on the circumstances. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but using them together works for me. Good luck.
