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Choosing a consultant for your surgery is a big decision. There are a lot of things to think about: do they have the right experience? Are they trustworthy? Will I feel comfortable with them? And with lots of consultants out there, the process of selecting the ‘right’ one might feel overwhelming.
But it doesn’t need to be. We’ve put together this handy little guide that aims to take the stress out of choosing a consultant. It’s all about finding someone who’s not only highly qualified but also makes you feel confident and cared for throughout your journey.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Private consultation at a glance
- Cost: £95
- Waiting time for private consultation: 1-2 weeks
- What’s included?: blood tests, swabs, medical assessment, diagnostic tests (excluding MRI and CT scans)
- Consultation duration: around 1 hour
Why choose a private consultant?
Firstly, why choose to see a private consultant over the NHS? Well, for a number of reasons that include:
- faster access to treatment
- personalised care
- greater flexibility around treatment dates
- your choice of specialist
- control and confidence.
What to consider when choosing a consultant
There’s plenty to think about when it comes to choosing the right surgeon for your upcoming operation. Below, we’ve gathered all of the steps into one handy list, so you can be sure you’ve covered all angles.
1. Pinpoint your needs
Before you begin your search, take some time to clarify exactly what you’re looking for. Are you seeking a consultant for a specific type of speciality, such as gynaecology or a cataract consultant? Understanding your specific needs will help you narrow down your options and focus on consultants who specialise in the relevant area.
2. Check qualifications and accreditation
Qualifications and experience are vital. Look for consultants registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)1 as well as specialty-specific organisations like the Royal College of Surgeons2 or the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).3
To check their credentials, you can contact the relevant professional bodies or simply check the website profiles of all of our consultants.
3. Seek out specialty and experience
Now it’s time to consider the consultants’ experience. You should look at the number of years they’ve been practising and whether they frequently perform the specific type of surgery you need. For example, you might be looking for consultants specialising in hip surgery or expert knee consultants. Specialists with extensive experience in your specific procedure often provide the best outcomes.
You can check things like the number of procedures they perform each year and how many years of experience a consultant has on the individual profile pages on our website.
4. Check expert and patient reviews
Patient reviews can give you valuable insights into a consultant’s approach, bedside manner and quality of care. Look for testimonials on hospital websites, third-party patient review sites,4 or forums.
You should also ask friends, family, or even your GP for recommendations – a personal referral can be very reassuring.
Hear from a past patient
“I called the patient helpline and paid £95 for a consultation with Mr Lovasz the consultant at their nearest hospital in Barlborough a week later and was very impressed and his online reviews were really good. Even though it was a two-hour drive from home, I felt this was my best option to get expert care sooner.“
Linda Hand, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
5. Ensure a good safety record and success rate
It’s important to check a consultant’s safety record and success rates. These indicate the quality of care and outcomes you can expect. Most private hospitals and consultants share this information openly, either on their websites or during consultations.
If it’s not readily available, don’t hesitate to ask for it directly. You can also check the Care Quality Commission (CQC)5 website to see a hospital’s safety rating.
6. Review their hospital affiliations
Many top consultants work in both private and NHS settings. Check whether your chosen consultant is affiliated with reputable hospitals or medical institutions, as this often reflects their credibility.
7. Ensure CMA compliance
Ensure that your chosen consultant adheres to guidelines set by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).6 These regulations are in place to protect patients, ensuring transparency in pricing and maintaining ethical standards in private healthcare. Consultants should provide clear information about their fees and any potential additional costs. If this information isn’t provided, don’t be shy! Ask for it! Remember, it’s your right as a patient to have a clear picture.
8. Explore costs
Despite all the benefits of private healthcare, it does, unfortunately come at a cost. It’s important to understand the fees upfront. Most private consultants provide a breakdown of costs, including consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and surgery.
At Practice Plus Group, we like to keep things simple and transparent. An initial consultation is always £95, no matter which expert you see or where you live. Our elective surgery prices are fixed across all of our locations so there are no unpleasant surprises.
9. Verify insurance coverage
If you have private health insurance, check what’s covered by your private medical insurance company and confirm that the consultant and hospital are approved by your insurer. You can see a list of all approved insurers on our consultant profile pages.
10. Check availability
Private consultants often have more flexibility to schedule appointments and surgeries compared to the NHS. With that said however, availability can still vary. Check how soon you can get an initial consultation and when the surgery could be scheduled. This is particularly important if you need treatment quickly.
With us, you can usually expect to see a specialist for your consultation within 1-2 weeks of booking. Your treatment will typically take place 4-6 weeks after this.
11. Find a convenient location
The location of your consultant’s practice or the hospital where they perform surgeries is an important factor. Choose a location that’s easy for you to get to. Remember, you’ll need to visit for your consultation, treatment, and any necessary follow-up appointments. You’ll also want to research the facilities at the hospital or clinic to ensure they are modern, well-equipped, and capable of handling your specific needs.
12. Look for post-operative care and support
Aftercare is a critical part of your recovery, so make sure that your consultant and their team offer comprehensive post-surgery support. Ask about follow-up appointments, access to advice during recovery and what to do if complications arise.
At Practice Plus Group, from physio to medication, all of your recovery needs are covered in the cost of your treatment.
13. Trust your instincts
Feeling confident and comfortable with your consultant is essential. If something doesn’t feel right during your consultation, don’t hesitate to explore other options. A second opinion can be helpful.
The right consultant will not only be highly skilled but will also take the time to address your concerns and make you feel at ease.
14. Book a consultation
Once you’ve shortlisted potential consultants, schedule an initial surgery consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, understand their approach and assess whether you feel comfortable with them.
Questions to ask a consultant before booking
To get you started, here are some helpful questions you might want to ask your consultant during your initial appointment:
- How much experience do you have treating my specific condition?
- What are the risks and benefits of the procedure?
- What diagnostic tests or treatments are needed?
- What are the potential costs of consultation and follow-up care?
- Do you work with my health insurance provider?
- What is your typical availability for appointments?
- What should I expect during recovery?
- Are there alternative treatments available?
Find a trusted private consultant near you
Choosing a private consultant for your surgery doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember to trust your instincts and choose a consultant that makes you feel confident and cared for.
From joint replacement to eye surgery, our first-class consultants provide healthcare for a range of specialities. All of our consultants are registered, approved, and experienced. You can search by language, treatment, and location on our website to find a selection of specialists near you.
With the right consultant by your side, you can focus on recovery and getting back to the things you love.
Sources and references
1 General Medical Council (GMC)
3 Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN)
4 Doctify
5 Care Quality Commission (CQC)
6 Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
Acknowledgements
After medical school in Al-Mustansirya University in Baghdad, Nawar moved to Sweden where he passed the medical exam at Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm (MD) and started training to become Swedish-Board certified specialist in trauma and orthopaedics. He researched in the area of developmental hip dysplasia and enrolled in PhD studies at Gothenburg University on ankle fractures epidemiology. Nawar moved to the UK in 2020 and is still a visiting surgeon in Sweden. As a high volume surgeon, he has performed over 1000 joint replacements.
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FAQs about choosing a consultant
Still have questions about finding a consultant? Our dedicated FAQs can help.
Can I choose my consultant on the NHS?
Sometimes, but it depends on your situation. If you’ve been referred for a specialist appointment, you may have the option to choose the consultant and where you are treated, as long as the service is available.
How do I choose an NHS consultant?
To choose an NHS consultant, you can ask your GP or the hospital for a list of available consultants. They may provide information on their experience, specialism and the hospitals where they work, helping you make a decision.
Can I choose to see a consultant outside my area?
If you’re an NHS patient, you can choose to see a consultant outside your area. The success of doing so will depend on their availability, waiting times, and whether the NHS trusts can accommodate you.
How do I choose the right consultant?
Choosing the right consultant involves considering their experience, qualifications, and the type of specialist care you need. You can also check if they have experience with your specific condition and ask for recommendations from your GP or friends and family.
What is the criteria for selecting a consultant?
The criteria for selecting a consultant include their:
– expertise in treating your condition
– reputation
– experience
– availability
– location.
It can also help to consider how comfortable you feel with them and whether they take the time to listen to your concerns.
How to check if a consultant is good?
To check if a consultant is good, you can review their qualifications, check patient reviews, or feedback and ask about their experience with your condition. You can also consult regulatory bodies like the General Medical Council (GMC) for more information.
How do you evaluate a consultant?
Evaluating a consultant can involve looking at their track record with similar cases, their communication style, and how they handle your concerns. Asking for recommendations and reading online reviews can also give insight into their skills and patient care.
How do I check my surgeon’s record in the UK?
To check a surgeon’s record in the UK, you can visit the General Medical Council (GMC) website. It allows you to search for surgeons by name to see their qualifications, professional history and whether they have any disciplinary actions against them.
