I Need an MRI Scan

Katykat

I need to have an MRI scan and the waiting time for NHS scan is 20 weeks, so I've decided to have it done private ( 37yrs working for NHS as a nurse means NIL bonus points). Now I know its going to cost heaps, but reckon I've saved lots of money due to this site, so I deserve it, BUT I wouldn't be a dedicated Moneysaver if I didn't shop around. Does anyone have any information re location of MRI centres so I can get quotes. I live between manchester/ Liverpool so could attend anywhere in the Northwest. I know I could have it done at my local BUPA hospital, but they are hardly known for their charitable status are they?

withabix

Private MRI scans are usually done at your local NHS hospital as a private patient these days.

I had mine done at my local NHS hospital on my employer's Private Health Insurance and waited.....6 days! (NHS wait time was 28 weeks)

IIRC the cost was about £570 - AXA PPP send you copies of the payment records when they settle each bill.

Here's a link to an AXA search page, which will give you a list of your local hospitals doing private treatment. Selected SCANNING CENTRE from the pull-down menu.

http://www.multimap.com/clients/places.cgi?client=axa_hospital

point3

Let me guess. Back problems? If so, then a 'routine' scan is unlikely to significantly change your treatment. Make sure you complete and return the safety check list promptly and make it clear you are available at short notice if there is a cancellation...that way the wait may not be that long. Don't waste your money on expensive scans when they are available freely to you on the NHS. Enjoy your Christmas instead :beer:

Katykat

Thanks, I'll follow that. Yes, back problems, but not in the way you think. I have to have a prosthetic disc, but the consultant wont put me on the waiting list until he can assess the full extent of the damage and for this I have to have a scan. Now by my reckoning, that means I wait 20 weeks for the scan, then 2 weeks for the report, then I have to attend clinic again to see the consulatant and only then will I go on the list. I'm broadly reckoning on 6-7 months and THEN I have to wait for the op. Until then I cant work, so if I can have the scan done quickly, then I can get back to work and hopefully do the job that the NHS trained me to do.

shykins

when i was told 28 weeks to wait for MRI my consultant suggested i write to my MP as he felt i couldnt possibly wait that long and he couldnt do anything without its result

i did and i had my scan date arranged within the month and only ended up waiting approx 6 weeks altogether.. i know its still a wait but not as bad as 28 and uwouldnt have to pay

when i enquired about private MRI costs i was told there was one 'upnorth' that did it for approx £400 whilst everywhere else was £600 plus

HTH

withabix

Katykat wrote:

Thanks, I'll follow that. Yes, back problems, but not in the way you think. I have to have a prosthetic disc, but the consultant wont put me on the waiting list until he can assess the full extent of the damage and for this I have to have a scan. Now by my reckoning, that means I wait 20 weeks for the scan, then 2 weeks for the report, then I have to attend clinic again to see the consulatant and only then will I go on the list. I'm broadly reckoning on 6-7 months and THEN I have to wait for the op. Until then I cant work, so if I can have the scan done quickly, then I can get back to work and hopefully do the job that the NHS trained me to do.

Is your need for a prosthetic disc possibly anything to do with lifting patients or an accident at work?

If so I would have a word with your union and your employing NHS Trust as this would be an employer's liability issue.

JennyW_2

I had a full spine and brain MRI in the summer and the cost was £1100 private.

It showed up herniated discs in my neck and lower spine.

Katykat

hanks guys, and withabix, it probably is an occupational hazard, but its more general "wear & tear" rather than an accident or injury. Like that shykins about there being a scanner "upnorth". Its a like us saying "downsouth" when in fact we mean anything further than Stoke. I was anticipating about £500, though I've found one in Suffolf for £350. OS says its worth travelling to save £150. Loves me really.

Quackers

withabix wrote:

I had mine done at my local NHS hospital on my employer's Private Health Insurance and waited.....6 days! (NHS wait time was 28 weeks)

I waited 3 days to have mine done privately through my employers private health insurance. My daughter had hers the day before mine on the NHS - she'd been waiting for ever and a day for her appointment!

I got my results the same day - we got my daughters results 6 weeks later :rolleyes:

I hope your MRI goes well

DrFluffy

It's also worth phoning the NHS list manager every day you are 'free' asking if there have been any cancellations - they would rather bump you up the queue and scan you there and then than waste the slot...

I only had to wait 5 days on a 18 week list this way... All for free.

Katykat

Ahhh Dr Fluffy, nice one, but I dont suppose you were actually on site at the time were you? It would be good though, might try it for a week or 2, then if no luck, will go private. Thanks