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General health

Private consultation for DS-how do I go about it?

12 replies

rabbitrabbit · 25/04/2007 13:32

Hi, does anyone know the procedure for getting a private consult for my DS (nearly 4). He's been ill for some time and we're totally fed up with the current hopital. Do we need a referral letter from the GP?
Thanks

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QueenofTarts · 25/04/2007 13:47

Message deleted

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LIZS · 25/04/2007 13:50

If you are using a provate health insurer ring and ask if they need a referral letter from GP or not. If there is ongoing history it might at least be helpful if the new consultant had the full details to review in advance.

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foxinsocks · 25/04/2007 13:51

you would normally need a letter from the GP. As you've been referred already, you can ask for a copy of the letter from reception and then take it yourself to whoever you choose (that's what I did - I just asked the receptionists for a copy and asked them to address the letter generically).

However, some consultants let you self refer.

Sorry, you are having no luck.

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foxinsocks · 25/04/2007 13:53

I can't remember if you go to the same surgery as me rabbit - if you do, it's worth asking the doctor (with the initials AP - female doctor) who she thinks you should see. She knows quite a few good consultants and may just have a good general paed up her sleeve.

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foxinsocks · 25/04/2007 13:54

the name of a good general paed up her sleeve rather than the paed

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deepinlaundry · 25/04/2007 13:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

rabbitrabbit · 25/04/2007 15:48

Thanks everyone, that's great. I will talk to the GP surgery today.
Fox-what big sleeves she has!

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rabbitrabbit · 25/04/2007 17:12

Found out that the GP's letter states this: "mother says he's not right"

That's it. Nothing more. No mention of the symptoms, repetitive tests etc.

Staggered.

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Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 25/04/2007 17:14

Sounds like you need a new GP too rabbit!

Have you got an idea of who you want to see/which hospital?

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rabbitrabbit · 25/04/2007 18:52

I know! This is the same GP who, when we had to see him a week or so ago, had another patient's notes on screen and only realised after he'd written the prescription!

I really don't know about the specialist, which is the problem. I am at such a loss as to where I can go to get some help for DS; I think I'll have to speak to another GP (one has been recommended already by fox) so I'll hopefully get something from that.

Thanks for the replies x

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foxinsocks · 26/04/2007 10:32

oh rabbit, I have so many huge ranty rages about this on this site. I won't even TELL you about the shit I have had but I will tell you what happened to dd (sob).

It was clear to us that she had a hearing problem. Took her to GP who said her ears were waxy - told us to use olive oil. She went to stay overnight with a friend - said friend's parents call me aside and advise me, in the strongest terms, to get her seen asap because they cannot believe how bad her hearing is (they took her to a play and they had to move right to the front because she genuinely couldn't hear).

Go back to the doc - told to continue - they say there's no problem with her hearing (because she can hear in a silent doctor's room ). Anyway, repeat ad nauseam - about 5 appointments. EVENTUALLY, I say, give us a referral. I get the letter and take it private - do you know what the letter says - that THEY don't think there's a problem but I do and they apologise because they think 'they are wasting their time referring her'. Seriously. I was apoplectic with rage.

Anyway, long and short - I see the ENT - he is furious with the letter (turns out she did have a hearing problem) and writes back to the GP.

I think they are incentivised not to refer for stuff like this (must be money).

Anyway, you must not see anyone other than AP for kids. She is lovely - take him in, tell her everything you've been through and how long it's been going on - if you tell her you want to go private, she's bound to know someone. Oh, and I too, only found out about the letter because I asked for a copy grrr. Let me know how you get on.

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rabbitrabbit · 26/04/2007 19:48

God Fox, am so sorry to hear what you went through but I am glad that your dd had someone to fight her corner. It does make me wonder how many people just leave their GP surgery still worried but are too intimidated to argue their case?

I know that my son's GP now sees me as someone who, I'm sure in his mind unneccessarily, questions his judgement and decisions; I don't think that "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about" is an adequate diagnosis though. More so when subsequent blood tests show that to be patently untrue.

I'd better go as I feel a rant coming.
Thanks again for the advice, am going to rebook an appt with AP in the morning.

x