Experiences of private rheumatology consultation

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Hello,

I'm waiting for a rheumatology referral on the NHS, but I know it will take months due to Covid. In the meantime, my symptoms are getting worse (swollen fingers, aches and stiffness) and I'm worrying about permanent joint damage. My first noticeable symptoms were March 2020 (swollen fingers) and it took until December to have an ultrasound which confirmed arthritis. My blood tests are clear but I'm aware that it could be seronegative RA.

I'm looking into the possibility of paying for a private consultation, which is about £200 for 15 mins. I can just about afford that, but I'm just worried about costs spiralling with subsequent appointments. Can anyone talk me through their experiences of private consultations, what happened afterwards, do they chuck you out the second your 15 mins is up??

Hi OP, sorry to hear about your symptoms. My DP saw a private rheumatologist a couple of years ago because we suspected he had Psoriatic Arthritis but it was impossible to get this diagnosed through the NHS (mainly because they refused to see all of his symptoms as related). Anyway, it took one private appointment with the rheumatologist to get that diagnosis. The rheumatologist worked privately and for the NHS (as many do) so he referred my DP back to himself on the NHS and prescribed him a monthly biological injection which supresses the inflammation. It has been life changing for all of us. This was obviously a great result and well worth it but I am sure it would be useful to hear other peoples experiences as well. Good luck with getting a diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks so much, that sounds like a great outcome. The consultant I've found also does NHS work in my nearest trust so I'd love for a similar situation.

We're moving this thread over to our General Health topic for the OP.

If you need any diagnostic tests, the cost will spiral unfortunately

Thanks @losttheequipment that's what I'm afraid of. The initial consultation cost is just about doable, but I'm not rich enough to stay private. I have had quite a few tests already so hopefully wouldn't need too much more.

I had a private rheumatology appointment a few years ago for something similar. The rheumatologist diagnosed it, wrote me a private prescription (for steroids, nothing expensive) sent me to a (private) dermatologist who confirmed the diagnosis in more detail and then wrote to my GP asking for several tests & recommended a prescription which my GP happily wrote. I remember them both taking their time and didn't feel they were watching the clock. I ended up having to pay for the two private consultations but nothing else. I think they are quite sensitive to patients' ability to pay and likely won't recommend expensive tests unless absolutely necessary.

Thank you @sleeptillnoon - that sounds ideal

I saw a private rheumatologist recently for similar reasons.
She gave me a form for free NHS blood tests, and will refer me back to me GP for NHS treatment is the tests show anything.
I'm at a dead end of the results are normal because my GPs are unwilling to investigate further.
Good luck :)

Thank you. I actually already know I have some kind of arthritis, but I need the specialist diagnosis and treatment plan, so I wonder if I'm referred back to the NHS I will just be waiting again anyway!