Can Private Doctors Refer Me To An NHS Hospital?!
Question: Can Private Doctors Refer Me To An NHS Hospital!?
I have a small lump floating around in my foot, after dropping something heavy on it a couple of months ago!. I'm seeing a BUPA consultant on Friday about, if they suggest removing the lump through surgery is it possible for them to refer me to an NHS hospital!? I doubt I can afford BUPA treatment!.
This lump is very painful and has free reign to float around my foot & it sometimes is too painful to walk!. My NHS GP gave me anti-inflammitories (sp) but they don't really don't much to be honest!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
This lump is very painful and has free reign to float around my foot & it sometimes is too painful to walk!. My NHS GP gave me anti-inflammitories (sp) but they don't really don't much to be honest!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
The consultants at BUPA might well be the very same consultants working in your local NHS hospital!. They often run private clinics part time as well as working for the NHS!.
The private consultant will write a report/letter to your doctor recommending what further action needs to be taken - your GP will then refer you to the NHS for treament armed with his/her recommendations!.
The NHS treatment might even be under the direction of the same consultant that you saw privately - the only difference will be the waiting time, surroundings and cost!.
This is my experience anyway - I'm not sure if they can refer you directly to an NHS hospital - I think everything has to go through your GP!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
The private consultant will write a report/letter to your doctor recommending what further action needs to be taken - your GP will then refer you to the NHS for treament armed with his/her recommendations!.
The NHS treatment might even be under the direction of the same consultant that you saw privately - the only difference will be the waiting time, surroundings and cost!.
This is my experience anyway - I'm not sure if they can refer you directly to an NHS hospital - I think everything has to go through your GP!.Www@Answer-Health@Com