How long did you wait to see a Rheumatologist?

[BoBoHill]

Finally been referred, appointment came through today but it’s not until January!

Is that a long time or fairly standard for a first appointment?

Im interested in this too. I was referred at the end of June by a clinic in the infectious diseases department and have still not heard anything or been given any appointment.

I went private for rhuematologist
Instead of 6 month NHS wait

Was a useful 250 gbp spent

I was referred in 18th July and my appointment is the 3rd October. The GP told me it'd be a year so I'm pleasantly surprised!

I was referred at the end of July, will be a 5 month wait in total. I thought it was supposed to be a shorter wait if suspected inflammatory arthritis.

I have thought about going private @worldwidetravel2017 £250 doesn’t seem too bad but what happens after the first consultation and what if you need further tests/scans or treatment?

Not sure of the exact dates but I waited 4 ish months recently. Referred march/April and seen the beginning of July. This is in the NW. Was surprised at how quick it was!

My son was referred on a Friday and seen on the next Tuesday - but they had a cancellation

Private rheumatologist can diagnose you at consultation and can then do referal to NHS etc
My nhs gp asked private dude to see me
I paid private dude ( i chose - the NHS played middle person )

Much quicker
You can then get the private stuff on NHS record
Private rheumatologist can send you NHS referal after if needed

I saw a rheumatologist privately who also practises in the NHS - after my consultation she advised me to ask my GP to refer me to her in the NHS - from private to seeing her in the NHS was around 2 weeks and then everything is done through NHS and you are in the system (this is London). I think it was escalated as I needed treatment but if you need do a private consultation first, it's useful to find a consultant who practises privately and within NHS