How To See A Private Healthcare Consultant
Appointments for operations at state hospitals can be hampered by unforeseen circumstances beyond the hospital’s control, such as severely adverse weather conditions and reduced budgets. Circumstances such as these unavoidably have a knock-on effect on waiting lists.
With the myriad of pressures on hospitals resulting in extended waiting lists, an increasing number of patients are looking into private healthcare provision. For some, this unfamiliar option of ‘going private’ might appear daunting, however,, following a few basic steps can result in the patient being free to enjoy the best of both worlds.
In most cases, a local doctor is the first port of call. They will give unbiased advice and help the patient make an informed decision on the best way to meet their specific needs. Should tests be needed, for example, a private hospital should be given serious consideration, as it is always important to get an early diagnosis. You can, however, still have the operation at a state hospital afterwards.
Most medical consultants work in both fields, based in private practice at a local private hospital, whilst also being employed by a public hospital. For patients wanting to see a hospital specialist privately, their local doctor is able to make a referral. Some people opt for private healthcare so as to make sure that they are under the care of a particular consultant, who might be one they have had recommended to them.
Seeing a specialist via the private healthcare route generally takes around two weeks. The consultant’s personal assistant liaises directly with the hospital regarding patient admissions. Even though private hospitals are not permitted to recommend individual consultants, it is possible for patients to contact their local public hospital and enquire where a particular specialist bases his private practice.
To summarize, for an increasing amount of people, the answer is to take out a private healthcare plan, or expat health insurance as it is known if you live abroad. Such cover gives you the option of using the traditional public hospital route or accessing private healthcare directly.
The Premier Choice Group give peace of mind through the provision of international health cover to many people living and working overseas. Please visit the PCH website for access to the best possible expat health insurance rates for all levels of cover irrespective of your country of residence.