Your private consultation for hip replacement explained

What is a hip consultation?

If you suspect you might need hip surgery, booking an initial consultation is a good idea.

But what can you expect at a surgery consultation? In essence, a hip consultation is a discussion with a specialist about your troublesome hip. It provides an opportunity for your consultant to make a decision on whether you need treatment and what that treatment plan may look like.

A hip consultation is also an opportunity for you, the patient, to ask questions about your joint pain and the proposed treatment.

Among other things, if you need a hip replacement, you may want to ask about the recovery time, lifespan of the artificial implant, and how long the hip replacement procedure takes. Returning to work, driving a car, and even when you can have sex again after hip surgery are all questions a consultant can answer.

How much does a private hip consultation cost?

Aside from wanting to know the financial implications of a private hip replacement, before you even step through the doors of a hospital, this is likely to be one of the most important questions you’ll want answered. So, read on to find out!

Comparing private hip consultation fees in the UK

At Practice Plus Group, our private hip consultations cost £95. This fee includes diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood tests if they are needed.

The table below illustrates what you can expect to pay for a hip consultation with other private healthcare providers.

How to pay for your consultation and hip surgery

At Practice Plus Group, there are two ways to pay for a private consultation:

• as a self-pay patient. This involves making a one-off payment of £95
• via a pre-existing health insurance policy. Your insurance provider will need to give their approval and an authorisation code to proceed.

When it comes to hip treatment, if you choose self-pay surgery, you have three ways to cover the cost:

• a one-off lump sum payment
• via a finance plan
• via private health insurance.

If you pay through private medical insurance, you will need to ensure your provider features on our list of approved insurers.

Pain in your hip?

Take our short hip surgery quiz to find out whether you’d benefit from some time with one of our hip experts.

Waiting times for a hip surgery consultation

We’ve covered the cost and what to expect, now it’s time to ask how long you might have to wait for a hip surgery consultation.

As with hip replacement surgery waiting times, you can generally expect a longer wait for a consultation if you’re having NHS treatment. Waiting times for NHS consultations can be as long as those for the surgery itself and typically run into months. For example, the current waiting time for an orthopaedic consultation at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is 17 weeks.¹ Patients at the same hospital can then expect to wait a further 20 weeks for their treatment. In another part of the country, orthopaedic patients at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust face a wait that currently totals 42 weeks (21 weeks for a consultation and a further 21 weeks for treatment).²

If you’re having your private hip consultation at Practice Plus Group, you can typically expect a maximum wait of two weeks, depending on hospital location.

How long after consultation is hip surgery?

Private patients at Practice Plus Group can expect to have their hip surgery 4-6 weeks after consultation, regardless of location.

NHS patients can expect a much longer wait. You can check out the latest NHS waiting times at the My Planned Care site. This is updated weekly.

Hear from a past patient

“As luck would have it, I was offered a cancellation appointment and booked in for surgery just two and half weeks after the initial consultation, and three months till Christmas!“

Linda Hand, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough hip replacement patient

What can I expect from a hip consultation?

Now that we’ve looked at the cost of a private hip consultation and how long you’re likely to wait for it, it’s time to explore what happens during the session itself.

What happens at a hip consultation?

Your consultation will take place in a private room at your chosen hospital. First, a nurse or healthcare assistant will ask you for some information about your general health, along with your personal and family medical history.

You’ll then undergo a physical examination during which the consultant will look for signs as to whether you need hip surgery. Diagnostic tests are then performed to give your consultant a clear idea of your condition. He or she will then be able to advise on the best course of action going forward and develop a treatment plan. Feel free to ask questions during your consultation. Whether you want to know more about recovery or the risks of hip surgery, he or she will be happy to help.

How long does a hip consultation take?

While the consultation itself typically takes between 30-60 minutes, patients are advised to allow for 2-3 hours for the visit. This is so that we can accommodate for diagnostic tests and X-rays if needed.

Hip pre-operative assessment and instructions

Before your consultation, you’ll be sent a health questionnaire which you’ll need to complete as best you can. And don’t forget to bring it with you to your consultation!

Who will you see?

Our specialist teams all boast a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of hip surgery. Along with a consultant orthopaedic consultant who will be with you throughout your healthcare journey, your consulting team will likely also consist of:

• healthcare assistants
• nurses
• radiographer (if you need an X-ray).

Meet our hip specialists

We have a wide network of first-class surgeons and orthopaedic consultants working across the country to improve the quality of life for all our patients. Use the location and treatment filters to find a hip consultant near you, or take a look through the menu below.

A word about hip surgery from a consultant

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How to prepare for a hip replacement consultation

From what to bring with you to thinking of the right questions to ask, here are a few things you can do to prepare for your private hip consultation.

How to book a consultation for hip pain

Booking a hip consultation with Practice Plus Group is as pain free as our treatment. You can get in touch with us the following ways:

• call us on 0330 818 8945
• complete and submit an online enquiry form.

Once this is done, a member of our booking team will be in touch to book you in at a time that suits you.

Choosing a hip consultant

When making this decision, there are a few things you may want to bear in mind. Questions such as: how qualified is my surgeon and how much experience do they have with the procedure I need? When choosing a hip surgeon for your treatment, don’t forget to check out what past patients have said about them too. These provide an invaluable glimpse into how suitable a consultant may be for your specific needs.

What to bring

It’s an interesting but common question, and below is a helpful list of things it’s a good idea to bring to your hip consultation:

• any medication you’re currently taking
• comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
• the completed health questionnaire you’ll receive with your booking pack.

Questions to ask your hip consultant

From returning to work and expected recovery time to the possibility of staying in hospital and pain relief while waiting for surgery, the best place for an exhaustive list of questions to ask before hip surgery is just a click away!

Book a hip consultation near you

While hip replacement surgery may sound a little daunting, with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you’re in experienced, knowledgeable, and (most importantly!) safe hands. All of our consultant orthopaedic surgeons are dedicated to improving the quality of life of their patients.

So, if you think you need a hip replacement operation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Sources and references

¹ My Planned Care – Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust waiting times

² My Planned Care – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust waiting times

Acknowledgements