subject: Your Guide to UK Medical Care through the Private Sector [print this page] Your Guide to UK Medical Care through the Private Sector
Many people choose private medical care to receive a higher, more personalised standard of service and/or to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists.
But even the choice to pay extra by going private means you will have varying levels of quality and cost, as with any service industry. You may also want to choose the top consultants related to your condition, some of whom only operate out of certain facilities.
The following guide will help you weigh your options as to whether going private will be suitable to you. It will also let you get to grips with the procedure involved in choosing as well as accessing private hospitals.
Benefits of Private Health Care
The main advantage of private medicine is that it is delivered on your terms - unlike the NHS, you get full say as to with whom, where, and when your treatment will be performed. You will also be seen by the same specialist throughout, re-assuring you that they have your care and individual circumstances firmly in hand from start to finish.
As mentioned above, there is also the benefit of not having to be on a lengthy waiting list - private clinics hospitals can provide you with consultation, investigation and surgery within days, compared to the weeks, months, and in some cases years that you would wait on the NHS.
Choosing the Right Private Hospital
The private medicine sector spans a range of facilities to choose from. There are those that are part of large hospital groups, such as BMI Healthcare, BUPA Hospitals, Capio and Nuffield Hospitals. Then there are the private patient units within NHS Trust hospitals, small independents and charitable hospitals as well as clinics that specialise in such services as cosmetic surgery and laser eye treatment.
Making the right choice comes down to matching the provider, hospital and surgeon that best suits your needs. Your GP can help you clarify these needs, but it's also important to put the time in doing your research. A crucial deciding factor is finding a private hospital that has been accredited by an external organisation for the quality of its services and procedures, plus one that follows an external complaints procedures code.
If you have private medical cover, you will obviously need to ensure your chosen hospital is approved by your insurance company. If you will be self-funding your treatment, you'll get the best value for money by opting for a hospital that offers fixed price packages. If however you need a hospital that doesn't offer this type of deal, look for other factors to make the right choice, such as comparing consultant fees, daily room rates, procedural expenses and whether you will be sharing with other patients or have a private room.
There are also crucial considerations to weigh when it comes to contingency planning, such as the hospital's length of stay policy , what happens if there are complications or further surgery is required, and how those potential additional costs will be paid for.
Procedure for Private Treatment
The first step in getting on board for private medical care will be an appointment with your GP. They will then recommend a specialist as needed and write you a corresponding private patient referral letter. Alternatively, you may want to research available consultants yourself and thereafter ask your GP to write the referral letter for the one you've decided on.
Secondly, you will make an out-patient appointment with the specialist. He/she will perform the relevant tests to determine your condition and best method of treatment, keeping your GP up to date with progression.
The treatment itself will then be booked. Depending on what is needed, it will either be carried out on an in-patient or out-patient basis. Be aware that the full cost of your procedure must be paid before you are admitted to the private hospital.
After your treatment has been completed, you will usually attend a follow-up appointment with your specialist to make sure your recovery is progressing as it should.
Conclusion
The above guide gives you a clear idea on the advantages of private health care, how to choose from the range of available Private Hospitals and clinics, as well as the procedure involved in treating your condition through this avenue. The most important factor in finding the right solution is to discuss your options and needs with your GP so that they can help you find the right specialist. In addition to this, if you do your research thoroughly, you will be sure to find the most suitable match for your needs.
