Any GPs or practice nurse around?

[brimfull]

My father is visiting from Canada next month.

He has just started warfarin for AF and asked whether he could pay for INR blood tests at a surgery.

Could he just pay privately for it or does it always have to go through travel/health insurance?

bump

Your gp surgery should see him as a temporary resident and do the bloods. Canada is a commonwealth country, so no need to pay.

I'm married to a GP and we talk - though he is working tonight.

Either - travel insurance should cover it OR he can pay.

I don't think there is a reciprocal arrangement - as I had to pay to see a GP in Canada, pay for urine test, pay for prescription writing etc .....

Depends where he is. I have a feeling my dh would just do it if he needs it, but in a busy urban practice where things are pressured they will possibly charge.

Hope he has a good trip.

thanks

On the DofH website it says that non residents are only exempt from charges when they seek emergency treatment.

Will check with my surgery but we are planning on traveling up to glasgow as well so will maybe need one there.

I don't think Canada has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK despite being a Commonwealth country.

They would treat your dad if he needed A&E treatment but for routine stuff at the GPs they may ask him to pay, or they may treat him during his stay but invoice his travel health insurance provider at the end of his trip for any blood tests etc.

Check with your local practice, the practice manager should be able to let you know what the procedure would be.

thanks will do

ggirl - can provide a nice friendly surgery near Glasgow if required!

ooh really

we are staying in Falkland Street which I thikn is in Hyndland????

No dh's surgery is a bit further out than that! Sorry!!

But most weegies are so friendly there should be no bother finding one to help out!

thanks anywya

kind of you to offer