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“We tend to get what we expect.”
These words are the conclusions of the late American author and all-round believer in positive thinking, Norman Vincent Peale. They highlight the power of expectations and how they can shape our experiences. But what happens if you don’t know what to expect from something you’ve never done before? This article explores what to expect at a surgery consultation, from the waiting times to how to prepare.
What is a hospital consultation?
This is a detailed discussion with a health professional (typically a surgeon or consultant) about a medical issue you’re experiencing. During the consultation, the specialist will look to diagnose your issue and devise a treatment plan. This may involve physio, pain management or even surgical procedures. Video consultations are available with some healthcare providers.
At Practice Plus Group, consultations cost £95, typically last for around an hour and include assessments such as blood tests and X-rays if necessary. The consultant may also ask about your family medical history to get a better idea of your issue and how private medical treatment can help.
Reasons to have a medical consultation before surgery
In almost all cases, you will need to have had a medical consultation before surgery. This is so that the surgeon can meet, assess, and diagnose your specific issue. He or she will then also be able to devise a treatment plan specific to your needs.
How much does a private medical consultation cost in the UK?
The answer to this question generally depends on your location in the UK and your chosen private healthcare provider. Surgery consultation costs can differ greatly but the average seems to be around £200.
At Practice Plus Group, regardless of whether you’re accessing your treatment via self-pay or private medical insurance, the cost of the initial consultation is £95. While private surgery prices differ depending on the type of treatment needed, the consultation cost is fixed.
Comparing private hospital consultation fees
If you’re shopping around for different consultation fees, the table below gives you a clearer idea of what to expect with regards to price.
| Name of private healthcare provider | Cost |
|---|---|
| Practice Plus Group | £95 |
| Nuffield Health | from £100 |
| Spire Healthcare | £120-£500 |
| Circle Health Group | from £250 |
Waiting times for an initial consultation before surgery
When it comes to private hospital waiting times, the waiting list for initial consultations varies. It is good news though as the range is generally between a few days and a couple of weeks.
What to expect at your private medical consultation
Your initial consultation is your chance to speak to a healthcare specialist. Along with an in-depth discussion about your specific issue, you can expect the consultant to carry out a physical assessment (if necessary). This may include blood tests or X-rays. The consultant is likely to ask about your medical records, including questions about pre-existing medical conditions and your family medical history.
How long does a surgery consultation take?
A surgery consultation generally lasts for anything between half an hour to a couple of hours. The duration will depend on the severity of your issue and how your consultant plans on solving it.
What happens at a surgery consultation?
Time to get to the nitty-gritty details of what to expect from the consultation itself. The session should be used as a two-way street. First, your consultant will need to diagnose your issue and figure out your treatment options. This will likely involve medical tests such as X-rays or blood tests, along with questions about your medical history. Once this is complete, it’s your turn. This is your opportunity to ask the consultant any questions you may have. Among the different topics you may wish to cover are:
- what the recovery and aftercare may look like
- surgery success rates
- the surgeon’s experience carrying out your specific treatment
- any risks associated with your surgery
- whether you need to think about pre-habilitation for surgery.
How to prepare for your pre-surgery consultation
The aim of your pre-surgery consultation is to diagnose your specific issue and devise a treatment plan. This means the consultant is likely to carry out physical assessments on you (e.g. blood tests or X-rays).
So, as well as organising the logistics of your trip to the hospital, you should wear loose-fitting clothes. Your consultant is also likely to ask you questions about your medical history. Speaking to relatives beforehand about any conditions that run in the family is great preparation.
How do I arrange a private medical consultation?
To book an initial consultation at Practice Plus Group, all you need to do is call us on 0330 822 6531 or submit an online enquiry form.
What to bring
It might sound obvious, but the most important thing is that you bring yourself. This means more than just turning up. If you treat your consultation as an opportunity to learn as much as you can about your surgery, it’s likely you’ll find that you’re more informed, can feel less stressed about your surgery, and speed up your recovery.
Aside from that, it’s a good idea to bring a list of questions to ask your consultant. This means you can avoid burning issues from slipping your mind at what is quite a crucial point. There will be plenty of other opportunities to ask questions, but this is a great opportunity to do so and will likely give you peace of mind.
Questions to ask at your consultation
Before your consultation, it’s a great idea to write down any questions you may have. These can range from being about the surgery itself to more logistical things such as what you need to wear on the day of your procedure.
Regardless of whether this is your first surgery or you’ve been under the knife before, the prospect can be daunting. So, to make things easier for you, here’s a list of some questions you may want to take into your consultation:
- What are the potential short and long term side effects of my surgery?
- How can I reduce the risk?
- How do I know if surgery is right for me?
- What happens during my surgery?
- What are the pros and cons of my surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments instead of surgery?
- What happens if I delay surgery?
- How do I choose a surgeon?
- How healthy do I need to be before surgery?
- Will my insurance cover my surgery?
- How can I pay for my surgery?
- Can I eat and drink the day before my surgery?
For questions specific to knee, hip, and cataract surgery, take a look at the blogs below.
- Questions to ask before knee replacement surgery
- Questions to ask before hip replacement surgery
- Questions to ask before cataract surgery
Tips to make the most out of your appointment
If back in 1997, Tony Blair was all about “Education, education, education”, then in 2024, we’re keen to emphasise the importance of preparation. Making sure you’re prepared for your consultation is crucial for both you and your consultant to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Here are a few things you should consider doing to prepare:
- arrange your travel to and from the hospital
- compile a list of questions you want to ask the consultant about your condition and upcoming treatment
- do some research around any medical conditions running in your family
- be prepared for physical assessments such as X-rays or blood tests
- be aware of any medication you’re currently on.
What happens next
Once your consultation is complete, you can return home. If you’ve had your consultation with Practice Plus Group, our booking team will be in touch within a couple of days to arrange a date and time for your surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0333 060 6233.
How long after consultation is surgery – NHS vs private
The answer to this question depends on the healthcare provider. For example, at NHS Chesterfield Royal Hospital, the current waiting time between consultation and orthopaedic surgery is 26 weeks (6 and a half months).1
This waiting time between consultation and surgery is greatly reduced with the majority of private healthcare providers. At Practice Plus Group, you will have your surgery within just 4-6 weeks of your consultation.
Book a medical consultation near you
If you’re ready to take the next step and book a consultation with us, we’re looking forward to welcoming you through our doors. No matter the location, all our consultants have a wealth of expertise and know-how in their specialist fields. Our consultants each have their own profiles which will give you more of an idea of their backgrounds, specialisms, and abilities.
Sources and references
FAQs
Not yet found the information you’re looking for? Perhaps our dedicated FAQs can help!
Is it worth seeing a private consultant?
The answer to this is entirely dependent on you and your personal circumstances and preferences. Consultations with NHS hospitals are free but depending on where you are in the UK, you may have a long wait for one. Private consultations are generally available within a week or so of initial enquiry but will cost money. At Practice Plus Group, our consultations are fixed at £95.
Can I see a private consultant without a GP referral?
In most cases, you can access private healthcare without a GP referral. However, some insurance policies or specialist services may require a patient referral for coverage or access to certain treatments.
Can private consultants see NHS records?
Yes but with the patient’s consent. In some cases, requests can be denied but these are quite rare.
What happens at a private knee consultation?
During your private knee consultation, you’ll meet your dedicated orthopaedic surgeon and anaesthetist. They will likely carry out a physical assessment which may include x-rays of the affected knee.
This is your opportunity to talk about your general health and medical history, ask questions and prepare yourself for the procedure. Once the clinician has assessed you, our Booking team will be in touch to arrange a date for your surgery.
What happens at a private consultation for hip replacement?
During your consultation, the specialist will carry out tests to discover whether you need private hip replacement surgery. These tests will likely involve X-rays and blood tests. The consultant will also ask you about your family medical history and any medication you’re currently on.
Once a treatment plan has been devised and agreed, you will be able to return home. Our Booking team will call you over the next few days to arrange a date and time for surgery.
What happens at a cataract consultation?
A cataract consultation is carried out with an experienced consultant. The appointment includes tests to help diagnose your specific issue and, at the end, a treatment plan will be devised based on the best options available. These can range from conservative methods of managing your eye issue to private cataract surgery.
