[cemc]

Has anyone had a private assessment at the London Bridge Hospital? I know its the same doctors as St Tommies, only private. I think I'm going to end up having to pay for a private assessment if I want a full one, as our PCT won't refer me to St Tommies. What I'd really like to know is how much I should expect to pay, and what they would do. I may need to have blood tests done again. I'd stick with the NHS, only I'm in the far north of Scotland and there just don't seem to be any lupus specialists around here that I could go to.

 

[sjink]

Hi
Does this mean that your PCT won't refer you for a second opinion to any other health authority in the UK? Is this because you are in Scotland? I got a referral within area for a second opinion no problem but am in the North West of England. My rheumy is wonderful and NHS as well. And I met a lady from Glasgow at the Lupus Clinic here last time I went!

Love
Sara
Sara

 

[greenhaggis]

Unfortunately PCT can refuse anyone a second refferal and its normally due to overspent budgets!

I live in Surrey and was also refused a referral to St Thoms!


(((Cemc))) Perhaps you can pay for the private referral and your GP can do the bloods that the specialist requires - that will help keep cost down!

Good Luck!

Lesley

 

[alexbelfast]

hi i am going to the clinic to see Dr Kaul on firday
it is costing me £190
i am the same as u sick of being sick and pushed around so i thought this this best thing to do
they need a referral letter from you g.p
and i have send them test to date
my g.p also said any tests that the Dr wants she will do to keep the costs down

 

[cemc]

Our PCT is extremely really reluctant to refer anyone out of area at all. I'm in a very remote area of scotland anyway, and for most specialist stuff we have to travel to Aberdeen. My GP wanted a second opinion neuro (out of area), and it has taken almost a year from when he first submitted the request to the appointment date. Having approved one out of area referral, I think they will be even more reluctant to give me a second opinion rheumatologist out of area.

I have asked GP if he can repeat some of the lupus blood tests, but he won't. He says that they are expensive tests, and I have had them done already once (two years ago though!), and he doesn't want to do them again unless a rheumatologist orders them. I haven't even had routine blood tests done since then. I have asked GP to refer me to the visiting rheumie at the local hospital (only comes up twice a year though) in the hope that I can get the blood tests done at that appointment. This rheumie is not a lupus specialist, but at least I might be able to get the tests done. Depending on what happens there, I will then probably ask for a specialist lupus referral, or just go for the private assessment at London Bridge Hospital.

 

[LolaLola]

Daer Cemc,
Lesley's suggestion is good, if you can get the bloods done NHS.
Dr. D'Cruz is very fair and will not order unnecessary tests, so it is worth just explaining your financial situation. I have been to London Bridge, the staff there are all very approachable, you have nothing to feel nervous about if you decide to go there.
x Lola