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[CrispyChick]

Anyone had success getting bloods on the NHS to be reviewed by a private meno clinic???

I've had my first private consultation and paid an eye watering amount for my first blood tests, but I'm well aware I'll need follow up bloods.

I've asked my GP (who is lovely) and she said possibly, depends if it fits with the NICE guidelines and depends wfat the tests are looking at.

The NHS meno clinic told me to try all different contraceptive pills and then hrt. I did. To no avail. So I kinda hoped the NHS might support me in this somepart.

However, my private clinic do deal in compounded BHRT... So I'm wondering if this will make the gp run a mile...

Anyone any experience of this? Or do you simply have to suck it up and pay!?

Thanks

[CLKD]

Years ago one could not see a private consultant without a GP referral, because people are notoriously good at 'forgetting' symptoms and past medical history.  So letters would cover any symptoms and recent investigations.  Some Consultants work for the NHS so it may be easier to transfer data.  Have U had the blood tests done? 

It wouldn't cross my mind to ask for NHS tests if I was going privately.  What's an 'eye watering' amount, how much did U expect costs to be?  It's a bit like Vet bills ....... can be a bit of a surprise.

Not many are aware of exactly how much bloods, X-rays etc. cost even under the NHS.  When I left in 1983 a male chest X-ray cost £50.00 a go: the taking of by a radiographer and the reading of the films by a Consultant.  Then the typing up (remember that) of the results by a secretary and sent either to the Ward or GP.  All took about 10 days, tops.

MayB taking a mood/symptom/diary along to the appts. will help?  Something to discuss to keep the conversation up to date.  Do U have something specific that you would like to ease first?  U may have said elsewhere but I've got a meno brain    .

We put our health first - so if necessary would not have holidays, meals out, days out : under normal conditions : in order to get treatments, NHS or private.  That stops worrying about the 'what ifs'  .  It's been hard enough getting DH's knee 'sorted'! due to the difficulties in seeing a GP face2face.  Dental treatment, we pay as we go.  We don't however have children to support.   

Some consultants will send a letter to the GP making suggesting treatments. 

[VictoryV]

Hi Crispy Chick.
I hope your GP works with you on this one, it makes no sense to not. It sounds like you’ve exhausted NHS avenues.
Does your specialist accept 3rd party testing? Sorry if it’s a stupid question; I’ve no idea what the norm is.

Good luck.

Victoria☀️

[CrispyChick]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, the reason I'm asking my GP to support me in this is because the NHS have not been able to help me. It's not so much that I've chosen to go private, more that I have no other choice left if I want to pursue some quality of life!!!

I suspect the reason I'm in this position is because I don't fit the classic low estrogen meno model as I'm in peri, and possibly just unbalanced rather than low estrogen. Therefore the NHS don't seem able to help me.

It has taken me 5 years of awful symptoms and trials before sucking it up and making an appointment at a private clinic. So, as you say Victoria, I don't see why the NHS shouldn't assist in me receiving this expertise. I'll be paying the consultation fees. I've also to book a scan and mammogram. I've paid for the first bloods... Bit all in all it's extortionate.

Yes, they will accept 3rd party blood tests... So that's one hurdle overcome 😁. I'd also quite happily pay for a specific test that the NHS wouldn't normally undertake. But it would be nice to have my GPs support with this.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has had tests through the NHS for their private clinic???

[Floo36]

I usually have to pay privately at my local Nuffield.  Is it a meno clinic that prescribes body identical hrt like the nhs?

[sheila99]

What are they asking for? If it's tests such as oestrogen levels that the nhs don't normally do I'd be very surprised if you get it on the nhs. If it's something they might have done anyway it's more likely. Why are they asking for a mammogram? Just wondering if it's a money spinner and they're asking for things that are unnecessary.

[CrispyChick]

Mammogram and ultrasound to get a baseline before hormonal treatment - I guess protecting themselves.

They are not benefitting in any way from these tests as I am using third party private hospital/company. As they suggested I do.

Thanks floo... That's helpful. That's all I'm wondering. Do people just pay, or does anyone get common tests through NHS?

[CLKD]

As far as I know, the client pays for treatments which is refunded by the Insurance Company.  I would never have considered that the NHS would pay for any investigations whilst I was undergoing private treatment.  In fact, we had to pay a certain % due to the private hospital charging more than the Insurance Company was prepared to pay.


I think you need that conversation with your GP to find out how much support the NHS will give.  Is he/she for example prepared to take on the prescriptions if recommended by the private consultant?  When did U last have a mammogram and scan?  I would need to know why these are necessary .  Is it that they think that you will be a long-term patient so that they need to build your medical history? 

No private clinic doesn't benefit ......... it's not a free service so somewhere along the line will pay the Consultant who treats you.  I would be finding out the procedure in case you are expected to put money up front and then claim from the Insurance?

It's awful that you need to go privately - let us know how you get on and it will be a learning curve hopefully, for your GP so that he/she builds up knowledge.  Being listened to is the first thing, do U take a list with you to discuss?