Private Scans - query

[qu1ckquestion]

am regular but name changed

i am around 10 weeks PG and would like a private scan for various reasons (health reasons and because DH cannot get to the NHS scan)

I have had a rough ride so far in this PG and am worried that there may be something wrong which is why i want DH with me

i have been told that a GP can refuse to refer and wanted to know if this is correct

thanks so much for any advice or experiences

You don't need a referral to have a private scan unless you are trying to claim back the money for it under health insurance. You can just phone up your local clinic and book an appointment.

well i phoned my local clinic and they told me i would need a referal from my GP or MW

i spoke to my MW who said they won't refer and a GP can refuse to

i wouldn't be claiming back through insurance

Did the clinic definitely know you wanted to pay directly for the scan yourself? (They may do a mix of NHS referrals and private and just assumed you wanted a scan on the NHS)

I have had a number of private scans in both my pregnancies and on every occasion have rung up, made the appt and paid my deposit over the phone. No mention of my GP as it is not an NHS issue.

Where are you? I can recommend a good clinic in London near Harley St if you are interested.

yes they did and i have just called them back now and they have said i do need a referall

have found a place in London (london ultrasound centre) but it is £150 + which is quite a bit more to pay

if you know of anywhere else that would be excellent

I've never neede a referral for a private scan.
If you're anywhere near london go to the Fetal Medical Centre in Harley St. They are fab (and all profits go to a charitable foundation).
No need to pay a deposit either.

I also came on here to recommend the Fetal Medical Centre, my sister has been there and it's excellent.

I had a private scan at babybond and did not need a referral...They are located in quite a few regions.

I had a private scan at the clinic in Sevenoaks, and didn't need a referral. They were great and very reassuring

I was going to recommend London Ultrasound Centre as they were fab when I needed some re-assurance in what sound like a similar-ish situation to you. It is a lot of money though!

www.fetalmedicine.com/fmc/treatment-fees/

FMC is £100 for before 11 weeks or £150 for the nuchal

If you can bear to wait around you could always self refer to a NHS EPU www.earlypregnancy.org.uk/FindUs1.asp
In London both St Thomas and St Georges take people without referral

update - just spoken to the Fetal Medicine Centre and am all booked in for Friday

they were v v nice

thank you all for the recommendations and advice

now i am caught between feeling anxious and excited ...

Good luck for Friday at least when the scan is done you can completely put your mind at rest, they are so thorough. Will you come back and let us know how it went?

i certainly will

Update:

all is well - one wriggly baby, one strong heartbeat and all fine

they were amazing at the centre

need to try to relax a bit now

Congratulations.

I had a scan at the FMC at 7+5weeks and then had my nuchal there and they are indeed fab.