FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING SEEN PRIVATELY?

Being seen in the private sector offers some advantages:

Short waiting time to be seen
Patients are seen by Mr Edmunds at every visit - no junior doctors or locums
Longer face-to-face appointment times
Flexibility in choosing appointment times
Fast access for any required investigations
Ample free, secure car parking
The ambience and exclusivity of a private hospital clinic

DO I NEED TO BE REFERRED BY MY GP?

Most private healthcare insurance companies require a GP referral to be seen privately. The referral letter can either be e-mailed to Sophie Lines (private medical secretary) at enquiries@matthewedmunds.co.uk or via her contact number - 07708 632814. Alternatively, you can bring the referral with you. If you wish to see Mr Edmunds privately and are self-paying you do not need a referral, although it is often helpful.

DO I NEED PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Not necessarily. Not insured (self-paying) patients are welcome. Many patients seen in the clinic do not have private healthcare insurance.

If you do not have insurance you will find that private consultations are surprisingly affordable and Mr Edmunds is always happy to see self-pay patients. If any procedures are required the costs of these will always be discussed.

I HAVE PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE. DO I NEED TO INFORM THEM FIRST?

Yes. It is important to check that your health insurance company will cover the cost of the treatment you are seeking, so that you are not left with any unexpected bills. Any shortfall or lack of cover will be need to be paid by the patient.

If you provide details of your scheme, policy number and pre-authorisation number, in most instances your insurer can be billed directly, rather you having to get involved in payment arrangements.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

You will normally be seen within two weeks of being referred.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CONSULTATION?

After taking a history (discussion of your symptoms, medical and ophthalmic background, medications and your social and family history) Mr Edmunds will examine you and undertake any appropriate investigations. This may include blood tests, scans or biopsies. He will then explain your diagnosis and take you through your treatment options. A new patient appointment normally lasts around 30 mins, a follow-up appointment lasts 15 to 20 mins.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY APPOINTMENT?

A typed letter will be sent to both yourself and your general practitioner (and, if relevant, your optometrist) detailing your history, examination findings, investigations and management plan.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I REQUIRE A PROCEDURE OR OPERATION?

Smaller procedures or biopsies can usually be scheduled to take place in a minor operations room. More complex procedures need to be booked in advance for theatre, but can usually be completed within a few weeks of your initial appointment. All additional costs for this will be fully discussed with you before being performed and there is no obligation to proceed with treatment privately after a consultation.

HOW MUCH DOES AN APPOINTMENT COST?

Prices are indicative only and are meant as a guide for ‘self-pay’ patients. Patients with medical insurance will be charged according to the fee schedule of their insurer.

New patient appointment - £200

Follow-up appointment - £150

Procedures are invoiced separately and you will receive a detailed breakdown of any costs, before any treatment.

WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS?

Mr Edmunds is registered with most UK insurance companies and is happy to see patients privately with medical insurance. He is happy to invoice your insurance company directly if you provide details of your scheme, policy number and pre-authorisation number.

It is important that you inform your insurance company of your planned consultation and any planned procedures or surgery, to confirm that you have adequate cover. Any shortfall or lack of cover will be need to be paid by yourself. If you are unsure please contact your insurer for advice.

All of Mr Edmunds' billing and collections are undertaken through Bill Medical. Clinic non-attendance is chargeable at £50. Information may be disclosed to others, including debt collection agencies with a view to recovering any unpaid debts or other costs