MRI Scan needed. How long will I have to wait?

[nigglewiggle]

I had an ultrasound scan on my hip today - to find out why I can't flex my hip without excruciating pain - and I was told I would need an MRI and to go back to my GP in a week for a referral.

I've been putting up with this for a year now with physio, ultrasound, scans etc and I'm wondering if anyone knows roughly how long I would have to wait for a (presumably) non-urgent MRI. I've had enough.

DH has private cover through work and I would consider using this if the delay is likely to be quite long, though we have to pay an amount upfront.

Any advice welcome.

use the private and you'll have to see a consultant first to get one you can't have an MRI on GP referral I don't think

an NHS MRI will depend on the urgency - they can do them rather quickly if they need to or it can take 6 weeks

I'd use the private and get a private consultant and get it out the way

Thank you. Six weeks doesn't sound too bad, I've waited so long already! But if it was much longer I think I'd consider spending the money.

I couldn't understand why I had to make another GP appointment when the doctor ding the scan (who presumably knows a lot about these things) thought I needed an MRI. I presume it has something to do with budgets . I will be truly miffed if he just refers me to a consultant who then orders the MRI!

Is that NHS Riven? I hadn't thought about the delay for results. I imagined they were watching as they were scanning - like on the telly .

Thanks Leonie. It sounds like I might have to compromise my political principles and put my hand in my pocket. Three months seems a long time and now you have to wait again for you.

If you go private, do you get immediate results?

Watch it DC will be getting back in touch to assure you that waiting times will come down with the Tories .

My private MRIs the results came back next day to private consultant

am now with NHS and have no idea how long it will take (don't even have the MRI appointment yet but have consultant appointment at end of year)

I had a ct scan last March, which needed an MRI follow up. Had that in October and now go for results on the 17th. The appointment has been put back or changeed 5 times. Now the doc has to do this Saturday as apparently lots of people have complained!

It makes me sad that there is such a difference. Thanks all for sharing your experiences and for helping me decide to compromise my socialist values in the interest of pain relief! I hope you are all ok .