Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Simply call us at 07305097137 during our working hours to speak to Debbie directly. If out of hours, please leave a message and she will get back to you as quickly as possible.
DO I NEED A GP REFERRAL?
No, it’s possible to seek private treatment from a consultant or specialist without being referred by your GP. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) believes that in most cases it is best practice for patients to be referred for specialist treatment by their GP. Also, if you are insured, your insurance company may require you to be referred by your GP (please check with your insurance provider).
CAN MY PHYSIOTHERAPIST REFER ME?
Your physiotherapist may refer you directly or via your GP. However, if you are privately insured, some insurance companies may require you to be referred by your GP (please check with your insurance provider).
ON AVERAGE, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT?
Generally new patients are seen within a week of contact.
WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVER ALL COSTS AND FEES?
Health insurance companies reimburse (to a greater or lesser extent) the costs of your treatment which can arise from the hospital, the surgeon and the anaesthetist. The amount of reimbursement will vary between insurance companies and between types of policy. It is essential that you clarify with your insurer what they will or will not cover before embarking on treatment. This is dependent on your level of cover and excess and it is important to ensure this prior to treatment. All invoices are your responsibility if costs cannot be retrieved from your insurance company.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
It is now mandatory that all ‘providers’ of healthcare make their fees available to all patients. The fees that will apply will depend on whether you have health insurance or are funding the consultation and / or surgery yourself. Any such fees – hospital, surgeon and (potentially) anaesthetist – will all be sent to you before your first appointment. Click here for further information.
WHY DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A ‘PATIENT ENQUIRY FORM’?
The ‘patient enquiry form’ collects all the essential information that the hospital and surgeon will require in order to safely and efficiently deal with your particular issue. You can also provide these details to my practice manager over the phone.
DO THE HOSPITALS HAVE PARKING FACILITIES?
Yes, all hospitals have free onsite parking although it can get busy and you are advised to arrive early to allow for any potential delays.
HOW DO I RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, telephone us during business hours and allow at least one days’ notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients who may be waiting.
