Private surgical fees - the best price?

[oceanauk]

I have been waiting many, many months just for a consultation and diagnosis of a cervical prolapse condition.  I am thinking of going private but cannot find any prices anywhere on the net and wondered if anybody has any info they could share? I doubt I could afford it anyway but it's worth asking!

[Scarlett]

I had to go private to see a rheumatologist about a very bad back problem. All I did was tell my GP that I wanted to go private. He then wrote me a letter of referral (they have to do this- you can't just do it on your own) and the specialist then contacted me direct to arrange a time. I then asked him the cost (�130 for a consultation). This was SO worth it though, because he was very thorough, and told me the plan of diagnosis. I then had an isotope bone scan, which I then arranged THROUGH MY GP so I wasn't charged the private fee.The initial consultation basically allowed me to queue jump and get the ball rolling. I also had the specialist's number so I could contact him directly for anything.

If you just want a price, phone up your local private (or BUPA) hospital and ask them. The specialist will have a secretary at the hospital who will advise you and make bookings.

Good luck!

[sandbach99]

Previous answer is right about �130 for initial consultancy, this will boost you up the list.  If you have to have an operation consider going abroad, even in Belgium cost is about half the British private rate and there is no msra, My husband went for a shoulder operation a British based company organized it, helped to book flights on net with me, met him in Belgium took him to hospital, saw consultant and had a scan next day, was operated on next day, physio then back  to airport, Family could stay at the hospital on b&b basis and everyone who mattered spoke good english . Post further question for more info

[ann_h]

British price 3500-5000 I believe. I agree with looking into European hospitals for a cheaper job, but don't take risks.

 

Am waiting for my NHS referral ( post a couple of months back to you,I recall) and pretty nervous actually.

[smurfchops]

If you know the name of the consultant you are waiting to see, see if he is on the web, it usually gives all the hospitals he works at, phone the private one and say you want to make an appointment for a consultation.  You will then have to ask your doctor for a referral letter which he will either post to your consultant, or you might be able to collect it from your doctor and take it with you.  I have had to see consultants privately twice in the last couple of months and it is amazing - I would have had to wait 3 - 4 months to see the consultant on the NHS, but privately I went a couple of days later. And he will send a report of the consultation to you at home, afterwards, or if you have a scan or xray he will send you the photos!!

[smurfchops]

Sorry I forgot to say, if you have to have any scans or xrays, it will cost approx �200-�300+ extra -  the consultation, as other people have already mentioned above, will be around �130.