How do I find a private GP?

[KatyMac]

I have googled - but there isn't much

I am going mad trying to get some help for DD

Can you go through somewhere like Bupa?

You could just contact any GP practice and ask if they have any GPs who would be prepared to see your DD as a private patient.

Can I ask what difference you are hoping for in a private GP compared to NHS service.

DD's GP/Consultant & psychologist are not listening to me

Bupa won't do any tests or scans without a GP referral

I have been referred to CBT to deal with "my irrational refusal to accept a psychological diagnosis"

I no longer know what to think

& it will be 18 weeks on Thursday since DD went blind

What is it that you are hoping to achieve? Has your daughter not had tests/scans already?

Do you live near a private hospital? Many have private GPs working in them and you could book an appointment that way? If you are a member of BUPA, perhaps they have a list of local private GPs? Good luck with your DD, I've read about the situation you find yourselves in but never posted. I think you are doing an amazing job pushing to ensure she gets the right help. Good luck.

No

All that has been checked are her eyes

My local doesn't do GP services

oh Katy, I knew this would be you.

Do you mind me asking where you are? I'll try and find out for you.

Have you thought about a private opthalmologist? If you aren't confident in your DDs diagnosis that might be a reasonable first step?

What treatment have the psychologist and consultant advised?

With the best meaning in the world, your daughter has been seen at great ormond street for this as well as local paediatricians/GP's etc and they have all reached the same diagnosis. As a parent, I wouldn't want my son to go through this, I can't imagine the stress that you are going through. You are entitled to get a second opinion though, is there another GP in the practice?

www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/self-pay-treatments/gp-services

just found this. Can Bupa provide access to a private GP?

(when I said I'd find out, I meant I'll ask the bods at work on Friday -they all have private healthcare so should know)

HTH

If you simply need a referral, google for a private practice near you, ring them and tell them what you want and make an appointment. You'll get a referral - just make sure you know who you'd like to get referred to!

Not sure you can sign up for BUPA with a pre-existing condition

There are tonnes in London if you can't find one locally, I use Doctor Call who I have always found v.good.

We are by Great Yarmouth

I just 'feel' something is wrong; last time I felt like this it was Pleurisy, the time before it was chicken Pox

I know I could be wrong but I can't take the chance

belle, I hear what you say, but if they've only tested her eyes it does seem like a lot more could be done, no?

Katy whereabouts do you live? Someone on here might know a GP near you who would be willing to be helpful. There might even be some GPs on here. Could you try a different NHS GP if you can't find a private one?

Haven't seen a paediatrician, might feel better if I had

The psychologist thinks it has been building up for ages & then the eye problem came; the rest of the world (that knows DD) thinks she was fine until the eye thing happened - if a little poorly/run down & started downhill since

Really would not advise a private GP unless you get a personal recommendation. They do not have to train to be GPs to enter GP practice. That means any qualified Dr can set themselves up as a GP.

Nothing against private medicine but when it comes to general practice the NHS training is gold standard.

I can't imagine a consultant would leave it with no treatment, even if the cause is psychological. What have they suggested you do?

Katy - sorry, I can't remember if this has been asked in another thread - have you tried registering at another GP?

I can't believe you've been referred for CBT because of this. why the hell won't they just scan her

Is there not another GP in the practice? I had a health problem last year, I had to see 3 different GP's to get a referal. I told the last one I had pins and needles (which I sort of did), I did get to see a neurologist on the basis of this and was diagnosed with MS after a MRI.

Sometimes it helps to see someone else. I don't know how you'd find one other then Harley Street.

Oh he thinks take her out of school provide no help or support & when her sight comes back put her back in school the year below

Always assuming she doesn't become suicidally depressed being removed from her friends for the best part of a year

Does he think that school is the issue then? Sounds sensible if school is the cause.

No - he just thinks she would have to be supported in school and that will reinforce the issue

School nurses are really helpful, you can access yours through the school reception. You don't need to say what it's for.