[Cozmo]

Hi guys,

I'd just like to ask you if those of you who are under the care of St Thomas' have private insurance. I live in Colchester and so am worried my Doctor will not refer me to a Rheumatologist there if it turns out I do have Lupus, because to be honest, I'd rather go there than be treated by just some any Tom Dick and Harry!

If you have any other advice for me over the matter, please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Cozmo
-x-

 

[debatat]

Hi, I believe under the new choose and book system that when you get a referral to a rheumy you can choose anyone in any area. Also as St Thomas has a specialist lupus unit your gp can refer you there specifically. If you want to see a lupus specialist privately you would go to London Lupus Centre at London Bridge Hospital.

Hope this helps and all the best with getting your referral!

Deb

 

[Cozmo]

Ah thank you so much Deb!! Thats so much help to me! I'll look into it!

I think I'm gonna ask for a choose and book cuz my GP has not run all the right blood tests and I just want to find out if this is Lupus or some other sort of Immune Disorder so I can begin treating myself!!

 

[greenhaggis]

Hi there,

You have a much better chance of a referal to St Thoms under NHS if you are NOT already under a Rhuematologist locally, insisit with your GP for a referal there...patients have a choice of whom they see..but local PCT can interfer woth that due to lack of funding!

Let us know how you get on!

 

[Kyphi]

Hi Cozmo - I asked my GP, it was as simple as that! I took a print out of the details and asked him to refer me even though I was very happy with my treatment. I did have a great local Rheumy and he was OK with it also. I know not everyone has good Drs and this may cause difficulties getting a referral but its your right as an NHS patient. As Debtat said under the new 'choices' initiative you can ask to be seen at any NHS hospital so go for it. I did and it was worth it