Private dermatologist appts - fees/prescriptions etc

[Laquila]

How do these normally work? I’ve been referred to man NHS derm by my GP but it’ll be months before I get seen. I’ve heard some people say that their private derms have given them prescriptions that they’ve then been able to take to their GP, to get on the NHS - I hadn’t realised this was possible. Do they usually just prescribe and you pay whatever they tell you is the price for any treatment, as it were? Any advice gratefully received!

Bunp

Not what you asked but maybe worth asking?
My GP does "tele-dermatology". Essentially the GP writes a report and the nurse takes photos and film of the affected area. It goes off to a dermatologist and you get a written report back within a week with recommended treatment.
Getting the GP appointment was the hardest part.

That’s really interesting Hortz - I hadn’t heard of that. I guess my GP would have offered it if available but then she isn’t exactly forthcoming 🙄

I’ve made an appt for next week with a private derm but was just hoping to get an idea of what to expect. I think the initial consultation is £160 but I have no concept of how much any prescriptions might be.

Not for a dermatologist but I had an apt with a private endocrinologist and my GP was more than happy to do me an NHS prescription , however I was extremely ill and at that point I think even the GP was feeling a bit peeved at how the local NHS endocrinology service had dragged its feet in dealing with me . My dd and dh have both had NHS dermatology referrals in the past year and both have been seen within 6/8 weeks .

DD2 saw a dermatologist privately. He said he could issue private prescriptions and if our GP was willing they could replace with NHS prescription. Unfortunately, she was prescribed roaccutane which had to be dispensed from the hospital pharmacy. I think the whole course was about £600-£700. Can’t remember exactly.
Definitely worth asking about NHS prescription. Also the dermatologist she saw also worked in the NHS and said he’d be happy to see her on the NHS and that his waiting list wasn't long. We opted not to do that though as we were just keen to get treatment ASAP.

Some GPs are really reluctant to make private prescriptions into NHS prescriptions even if it’s a fairly cheap treatment. Be prepared to need to pay yourself.

DD had an initial private consultation with dermatologist and then, at the dermatologist's suggestion, moved to the NHS list for prescribing and monitoring of Roaccutane that ran for a year. The presciption privately would have been £800 to £1k.