Has anyone here gone private? I am soooo tired of this PD that I'm thinking of spending some money going to a specialist Neurology Centre in Queen Anne's Square in London. But this'll be expensive I'm sure.
Has anyone had better results, been offered newer or better drugs or have any comments about private health care?
Best wishes
hi spam
in australia all neuros are private. i can see my neuro anytime i want for $100 - about £60. so i have much more time but alas prob an inferior neuro, though that may be unfair.
the nhs system is definitely a touch 'polish shipyards' ie criminally inefficient and centred on the doctor not the patient. yet at least everyone is equally badly treated. there does seem to be a definite trend towards cheaper drugs so the private patient will be getting slightly better ones ie non-generic. but most drugs are past their patent expiry (except for azilect). if i were in the uk though i think i would have a one off session with a really good neuro to check everything out ie to check my neuro wasnt a ********.
in australia all neuros are private. i can see my neuro anytime i want for $100 - about £60. so i have much more time but alas prob an inferior neuro, though that may be unfair.
the nhs system is definitely a touch 'polish shipyards' ie criminally inefficient and centred on the doctor not the patient. yet at least everyone is equally badly treated. there does seem to be a definite trend towards cheaper drugs so the private patient will be getting slightly better ones ie non-generic. but most drugs are past their patent expiry (except for azilect). if i were in the uk though i think i would have a one off session with a really good neuro to check everything out ie to check my neuro wasnt a ********.
I quite like my neurologist, he gives me plenty of time, is a good listener and gives me the impression he genuinely cares. My experience of NHS treatment has largely been very positive. If I did not feel cared for and thought I could do better with a different regime I would try and see a Parkinson specialist for a full assessment and evaluation of my medication,etc. I would certainly be prepared to pay a one-off fee for this. I have come across patients, who did see a top PD specialist and paid for the first consult, then continued to see him on the NHS as well as their regular consultant, but less frequently. I do not think that you will get better drugs this way, but maybe you are more likely to be asked to take part in clinical trials and could then get early access to (if you're lucky and these will work) the latest drugs.
The treatment that my husband receives from his neurologist at Lister Hospital, Stevenage is fantastic. He always exams him thoroughly, gives time to listen to our problems and treats my husband with a great deal of respect. It is usually an uplifting experience as he inspires my husband with a lot of confidence due to his knowledge/understanding of the disease. It does helps that we only ever see this neurologist so do not have to give a potted history of the disease at each appointment. I really do not think that we could possibly receive a better service if we attended private sessions.
We did ask to be transferred to this hospital on the recommendation of our Parkinson Nurse.
We did ask to be transferred to this hospital on the recommendation of our Parkinson Nurse.
I have a lot of confidence in my nhs neurologist, he is actively involved in research and through him I have become involved as a patient in a group looking at patient involvement in research. Perhaps I am lucky where I live.
It's great that the people who've written have, and are continuing to have, such a good experience with their N.H.S. care.
I think much depends on the area you live in, certainly the frequency of appointments.
Some living in heavy retirement areas such as here on the South coast, are lucky to be seen once a year. Often they're never examined by the same Dr. The appointments are 5-to 10 minutes.
In this area, all communication with the Parkinson's Nurse is by telephone, and even that is not immediate. You leave a message, and you are called some days later. You are not actually seen by her.
About 18 mths ago, I decided to do something different. I was disappointed with my drug schedule failing me, and making me feel ill. I now can see my Neuro-Consultant of choice, whenever I think I need his advice and guidance. The first thing he found out when I visited him, was that I was under-medicated. Once this was corrected by him, I was so much better.
If I don't need to see him , but would like to ask him something, I can e-mail or phone him. It works very well.
Cost wise, it is less than you'd spend for a week-end away, for a visit, examination (thorough) and follow -up.
I regard it as an investment in my health.
I think much depends on the area you live in, certainly the frequency of appointments.
Some living in heavy retirement areas such as here on the South coast, are lucky to be seen once a year. Often they're never examined by the same Dr. The appointments are 5-to 10 minutes.
In this area, all communication with the Parkinson's Nurse is by telephone, and even that is not immediate. You leave a message, and you are called some days later. You are not actually seen by her.
About 18 mths ago, I decided to do something different. I was disappointed with my drug schedule failing me, and making me feel ill. I now can see my Neuro-Consultant of choice, whenever I think I need his advice and guidance. The first thing he found out when I visited him, was that I was under-medicated. Once this was corrected by him, I was so much better.
If I don't need to see him , but would like to ask him something, I can e-mail or phone him. It works very well.
Cost wise, it is less than you'd spend for a week-end away, for a visit, examination (thorough) and follow -up.
I regard it as an investment in my health.
I see a neuro on the NHS who spends more than 50% of his time on private work. I feel Im getting a good deal. I also have a nurse reasonably available who is very knowledgeable. I dont feel any need to go private.
I went privately when I first had my symptoms, all the tests were complete within a week, you don't get that with the NHS!!!
Since then, however I asked to be transferred back to the NHS as the cost exceeded our limit with Bupa for investigatory tests.
I saw the NHS neuro 3 months later (bit longer than the 2 days it took to get an appointment with the private neuro)and due to the progression of my symptoms he dx me during that first appointment.
I am so glad I saw the private neuro as he was very kind and honest with me, had lots of time to talk and to listen,in pleasant surroundings, tea and coffee on tap etc. I always leave the NHS chappie feeling slightly frazzled having had to wait ages in the waiting room, then feeling that i am not really being listened to.
Privately I felt like a person who was respected, cared about and listened to.
With the NHS I am no longer a person, I am a patient.I don't feel respected, just another patient to get through the door as quickly as possible.
Don't get me wrong, my NHS neuro's are great but they have huge time pressures placed on them, somewhat unpleasant surroundings to work in and tight schedules to meet.
Since then, however I asked to be transferred back to the NHS as the cost exceeded our limit with Bupa for investigatory tests.
I saw the NHS neuro 3 months later (bit longer than the 2 days it took to get an appointment with the private neuro)and due to the progression of my symptoms he dx me during that first appointment.
I am so glad I saw the private neuro as he was very kind and honest with me, had lots of time to talk and to listen,in pleasant surroundings, tea and coffee on tap etc. I always leave the NHS chappie feeling slightly frazzled having had to wait ages in the waiting room, then feeling that i am not really being listened to.
Privately I felt like a person who was respected, cared about and listened to.
With the NHS I am no longer a person, I am a patient.I don't feel respected, just another patient to get through the door as quickly as possible.
Don't get me wrong, my NHS neuro's are great but they have huge time pressures placed on them, somewhat unpleasant surroundings to work in and tight schedules to meet.
Hi the treatment i receive at the lightburn hospital glasgow could not be any better and im sure would not be improved by going private. I have access to parkinsons nurse who is first class, physio top rate, and a support worker who has helped me no end with benefits ect. all this on top off a top consultant. The overall service and care has really helped me through the first years.Ihope you find the proper care which ever road you go down.
I considered going private, in York, but my NHS neurologist is also the the person I would see if I went privately! He said I would be paying him £75 for a consultation and a further £2,000 for scans. I decided to stick with the NHS and had all my scans and tests done within 2 weeks, physio the week after and follow up appointment with the neurologist, a week after that. Mind you, I accepted several cancelled appointments, by other people, to make this happen. So far, I am happy with the way I have been treated by the NHS.
Like Caroline I feel that my Neuro is so busy that
he doesn't seem to listen to me.... Is a nice
bloke and probably knows his business but the 15 min
I get with him doesn't seem to involve much
listening on his part.
I feel that you hear so much about the difference between
different people and different reactions to different drugs
that PD people seem to be unique... What works for one doesn't necessarily
work for another.
So it follows that you need a bespoke approach with
a neuro who will listen closely to you .
Are there any good private neuros around the Midlands anybody knows of?
he doesn't seem to listen to me.... Is a nice
bloke and probably knows his business but the 15 min
I get with him doesn't seem to involve much
listening on his part.
I feel that you hear so much about the difference between
different people and different reactions to different drugs
that PD people seem to be unique... What works for one doesn't necessarily
work for another.
So it follows that you need a bespoke approach with
a neuro who will listen closely to you .
Are there any good private neuros around the Midlands anybody knows of?
Twinks,
This country has too many people and not enough neurologists.
These words come from a leading London based private neurologist
whom I met last year.
Our UK international health service allows a limited quota of neuros per 100,000 of population.
Ergo all the neuros are overworked and we cannot expect them to
be happy bunnies.
The two NHS neuros I have seen have been pleasant and effective
but it was apparent both of them had large caseloads.
The main benefits of a private consultation are that you get more time to discuss the detail and come away feeling reassured.
Arsene
This country has too many people and not enough neurologists.
These words come from a leading London based private neurologist
whom I met last year.
Our UK international health service allows a limited quota of neuros per 100,000 of population.
Ergo all the neuros are overworked and we cannot expect them to
be happy bunnies.
The two NHS neuros I have seen have been pleasant and effective
but it was apparent both of them had large caseloads.
The main benefits of a private consultation are that you get more time to discuss the detail and come away feeling reassured.
Arsene
Thankfully we never feel rushed in our appointment with our neurologist, NHS.
The appointment may be very late, compared with the allocated time, but we never get annoyed as, if anyone needs a longer appointment than the proscribed time then they are not hustled out and, sometimes, that's us.
The appointment may be very late, compared with the allocated time, but we never get annoyed as, if anyone needs a longer appointment than the proscribed time then they are not hustled out and, sometimes, that's us.