Query re private medical insurance

[Ihateslugs]

I’m hoping someone here can help me. I saw a consultant privately re knee replacement surgery through my medical insurance around three years. At the time, X-rays showed both knees are very damaged and surgery is necessary. I am now in constant pain, very immobile and can only walk short distances using two sticks so I am ready to proceed. Up until now I have been too anxious about the surgery as my FIL died after complications during knee replacement surgery. At this visit, the consultant asked me to reduce my BMI before having the surgery but I’m afraid it took me this long to seriously address this through dieting - he did not set a target figure.

I have now lost almost 2.5 stone and reduced my BMI from 44 to 39. I did that through diet alone but I am now on weight loss drugs to speed up the loss. I still weigh over 16 stone so need to lose a lot more eventually.

That consultant has now changed hospitals but the new hospital is still in my area and is accepted by my insurance.

Should I make an appointment with the original consultant, who was very nice and has an excellent reputation but will no longer have access to my previous results? Or should I go to a different consultant at the original hospital where my notes will be available? I do have a copy of the letter which was sent to my GP at the time.

I am over thinking this I know, but I worry that the original consultant might not think I have lost enough weight? I really want the first knee operation as soon as possible as I’d like both done before my sons wedding next May - the big incentive to fight my fear

They can access records and scans from other hospitals, including nhs to private and viceversa.

I'd stay with the original and who you're comfortable with - they can get the notes as it's all electronic nowadays.

Well done on your weight loss!

I'm not sure why you think your consultant won't have access to your results?

Kindly, whether you see the original consultant or a new one, the weight requirement should be based on good clinical practice. The weight is most likely to be an issue for post op recovery/physio with the new knees.

As you are on WLI, they may be able to book you a date in advance, anticipating the weight loss continuing

I thought that medical notes would kept by the original hospital for data protection issues.

I think it is quite tight to get both done, and a reasonable recovery time from the second, between now and May, even without weight issues.

Nope - they'll be able to get your notes and xrays from the old hospital. Go with your previous consultant if you gelled with them.

Original or new consultant would probably need to re-examine, do new scans etc as a fair amount of time has lapsed.

Good point, I think it is about improving outcomes post surgery as the operation will not be under a general anaesthetic but a spinal injection thingy - which scares me rigid but I’m trying not to think about that!

I have been doing some exercises at home after a number of physio appointments but my walking is now really poor following a fall a couple of years ago which restricted me even more. Something I know I need to work on.

They can submit a dsar on your behalf or you can. My private consultant had access to my imaging within a day or two, ready for the first appointment.

That’s useful information, thank you.

The consultant said he would do the second knee six weeks after the first, providing I was making a good recovery. So I’m hoping for first to be done in December and second maybe in February. I know I won’t be fully up to strength by May but even being in less pain and using one stick would be an improvement.

The original hospital only keep X-rays and scans for 2 years unfortunately.