How to go about going private?

[BettyHumpter]

My DD is on nhs waiting list to see an allergist due to bad eczema but the wait is so long my dr said it might be worth going private

Don't even know where to start any advice would be appreciated

Ask you GP if they know any private dermatologists they can refer you to. Some GPS decline to name specific clinics. Failing that just Google paediatric dermatologists, phone them up and ask what the referral process is- you still usually need a referral letter from your GP. Make the appointment and ask your GP to send the referral letter. Don’t know where you are in the country but there are some great private dermatologists in the private wing of GOSH.

You don’t need a referral for self-funded private health, just find a local hospital/healthcare provider who has paediatric services. Local Facebook parent groups usually can provide recommendations too.

*local private hospital

Get insurance first then self refer. Don't just pay as they will likely recommend treatments where the cost will spiral.

Google private allergy consultant in your area. Book an appointment and they will diagnose and then can refer back to the nhs for any treatment and referral directly into the nhs allergy service. My fist private consultation for my sons allergies was about £550 (£250 for the consultant, £250 for the tests). We now see that same consultant privately and at his nhs appointments

Are you local to Manchester by chance?

I purposefully chose a private consultant that I knew also worked in the nhs allergy service at a hospital that we were in the catchment area for referral to. but appreciate this might be a London benefit

Thank you for all the replies, (I am based in London)

Too late to get insurance now as it will be classed as a pre existing condition on most policies.

Allergies are often not covered too. I have private health but had to pay for the allergy consultant.

I have just "gone private" Cost me £200 upfront and £630 for a scan, which is very expensive! Have you tried Black Afican Soap. Cured my eczema on my hands, which was very bad, immediately!

If she has seen the GP about this it will be pre existing and not covered.

You will need a letter from your GP, some will do a generic one but some will ask the name of the hospital or specialist you are seeing . If it’s the latter you will need to find someone to see her first. When we got Private treatment for DD we had to travel as there were no Specialists prepared to see her if she was under 18 due to insurance. If your GP will give you a generic letter then you can look for a specialist while you are waiting for the letter

You could try Benenden, I understand it covers pre-existing conditions but- you need to be with them 6 months first, and it is limited in the services it offers. Check the website for details.

You don't need a referral letter. They might ask if you have one but you don't need it

I didn’t think it was possible to self refer here in The Uk
Could be wrong though

You don’t need a referral letter, you only need it if you want to use private medical insurance.

Without being too outing I work for a private healthcare company that has a lot of hospitals and clinics in London. You'll be able to see a consultant pediatric dermatologist without needing a referral letter, they will want to do an initial consultation before recommending any treatment - they can however then refer you back to the NHS so you don't have to pay through the nose for whatever treatment they recommend. In theory you should only have to pay for the first consultation then can continue treatment on NHS - privste costs for derm can mount super quickly unfortunately and they're often not covered by insurance.

Yes that makes sense

Just bear in mind blood tests and skin prick or patch testing could be very pricey. I don’t mean just hundreds but can go over a thousand plus. Make sure you get full costs before agreeing to anything!

This. And I'm not in London or the SE.

London Medical on Marylebone High Street has an excellent allergy section; children and adults. Various consultants to choose from. They do lots and lots of consultations so they know their stuff. All the best xx

You definitely do not need a referral letter from a GP if you are paying privately. I expect in London there will be quite a few to choose from!