Private gynae appt

[User7536885428]

My GP recommended me to the NHS gynae clinic as I have a slight prolapse but she was also concerned about an unusual lump on my labia which she said might be old postnatal scar tissue but she wanted checked.

The waiting list for the NHS is huge and I have private cover through DH work. I spoke to them and they said they would cover an initial appointment and most types of follow-up; surgery etc if needed.

The thing is, I'm not sure there's much clinically wrong. But I hate myself "down there" since having DS 15 years ago and being left to heal naturally rather than being stitched. Nothing feels like it should do, I have poor muscle tone (I've had gynae physio and do my best with pelvic floor exercise) and stress incontinence.

If I go and see the private gynae on the basis of the referral from my GP, which mentions the lump and slight prolapse, might she discuss the other issues with me? And how can I work out if that's likely to lead to extra treatment which I'll need to pay for? I've read through all the policy documents but they're very vague.

Do private doctors talk about fees and costs or do they smooth over all of that unless you ask?

I so want someone to fix me up a bit but I can't face having to ask about money and costs while I'm sat there without my knickers.

So far I've just chickened out and not made the appointment ☹️

Does anyone have any experience?

I know I'm being pathetic.

My experience is that you start discussing costs etc with the consultant's secretary. I'd put your cards on the table. You're self funding, you have a list of gynaecological issues and you need to know what you're potentially in for.

It'll probably come down to your insurance cover, but you don't have to progress with further appointments or next steps until you've cleared it with them. Private doctors will be familiar with it if you ask to pause and check before continuing to the next appointment.

Thank you both. That's really helpful.

I having such a wobble about this.

I had some bowel issues and saw a private consultant via a work policy. The consultant was very aware about what was likely to be covered and what wasn’t. He wrote all the codes down for the procedures / tests he wanted to do and told me to speak to the insurance before proceeding.

I’ve also known cases of people paying to see a consultant privately for the first appointment and then be moved to the consultants NHS clinic and therefore avoiding the waiting list.

Just be honest with him, you’ve been referred for x&y reasons. Your insurance is paying for that but you’d also like to discus z, but your not sure your insurance will cover it so just discussing it at this point.

Good luck OP- nothing to worry about. Talk to the doctor about what they think, note down any suggestions and then discuss with your insurer what they will cover before you proceed- i.e. if your cover will deal with particular issues and/or treatment options

I had a private appt a couple of weeks ago for a similar issue. When I made the appt, the secretary told me costs. I was referred for an ultrasound and the Dr did this through the NHS (saving me £350). Am also getting gynae physio through NHS, so you can do a mix of private and NHS treatment. Always worth getting the ball rolling with private if you can afford it and if the waiting list for NHS referral is huge.
I found the consultant very up front about fees and very happy to refer via nhs

Hi @User7536885428, I’ve just posted about my prolapse. So sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. I’m seeing my GP next week and will hopefully be referred. I contacted our local private hospital who were able to provide a quote for surgery. She said around 8.5K which made me want to cry and be sick at the same time. Obviously this is without me having had an initial consultation etc but gave me a ballpark (which I can no way afford). We don’t have private cover so would be self-funded. I might look into what @FawnFrenchieMum mentioned about paying to consult and then seeing if I can be transferred to an NHS list.
It’s so worrying and stressful isn’t it

Hi I saw a private gynae through my work medical. I had to phone the insurance company first and they gave me a run down of what type of things are covered and also a list of drs and hospitals that could be used.
I then researched the doctors and selected one (a woman) and used her. The dr and secretary are also generally familiar with what could be covered and what codes the insurance needed.

I also went to see her about one issue but discussed other things at the same time and got everything sorted out. It was a far more pleasant experience going privately and the dr took time to talk through everything.
If you’re in the london area I can recommend my consultant.
Good luck.

Thank you all. This sounds really reassuring. I've never had to go private for anything so it all feels like really unfamiliar territory plus struggling to be a grown up about getting examined and not freak out about the prolapse.

@Tessie87 I'm sorry to hear that you have it as well. What's put you off the NHS -is it the wait? I've had good experiences with them before but the wait this time has been crazy. I hope you can get something sorted that works for you.

@lilyminilli your consultant sounds great but I'm not in your area sadly. I've been given two choices, a man and a young woman - keep looking at their photos trying to work out which of them will be nice

I'm having treatment through BUPA and I have a gynae and a gynae oncologist. There is far less rushing when you have private treatment and appointments are usually in the evening.

You can verify with the insurer that each item is covered before you go ahead, BUPA insist that everything is preauthorised anyway but the authorisation for the initial consultation also covers authorisation for tests too.

It's also likely that the consultant also works in the NHS and you can move between the two. I saw my surgeon privately and then he referred me to himself in the NHS. At my pre-op, he said "I received the letter that I wrote myself".

I've used private insurance for years.

The thing is, you are always in control.

If you don't like the dr you see, you can ask your insurance co if they will cover a 2nd opinion.

You can have a consultation and walk away to think about any treatment they suggest.

Nothing will be done at a first appt anyway- it's a chat.

I had a prolapse repair privately and after my first consultation waited several months before deciding to have the op and wasn't under any pressure or obligation to move it forwards.

You say you have been given 2 choices- by whom?
You can usually choose anyone you want, anywhere in the country, as long as they are on the 'approved list' of your insurers.

The insurance co. also has a 'cap' for treatments and most consultants work within these limits.

As the PP says, if treatment is suggested, you then call your insurers to check they will fund it.

I saw a private gynae as the wait for nhs was longer than I was willing to put with. He gave me my diagnosis, sent that to my nhs dr who started me on the right prescription, he also referred me to have other treatment on the nhs. I have had a mixture of private and nhs appointments since then