Keeping Doctor when moving out of area?

Barcode

Next month, I'm moving to W.Yorkshire, currently in York.

Every so often, I have to see an endocrinologist for a scan, and some other tests. I'd rather not have to see another consultant, as this one actually knows something about the condition I am predisposed to, and has experience in removing pheochromocytomas (that is crucial as nobody likes to be the test case and it is not a simple condition to say the least).

Obviously, I will have to move my G.P, but I'm wondering if I can still be referred to the same consultant even if I'm not local? Mine is at the Nuffield hospital in York. I will be in Brighouse most likely.

If not, I suppose I'm going to have to investigate my options. I cannot, simply cannot, be referred to any old endocrinologist as it is not a common condition (we're the only family in the U.K with this particular mutation that predisposes to this condition) and I need to be reassured that whoever I am sent to has some experience treating the disease.

Errata

Aren't Nuffield hospitals private? If you're being treated privately, I would have thought that there's no reason why your new GP would want you to change hospital/consultant, unless they are not confident that the treatement you're receiving is appropriate.
If you're being treated at the Nuffield as an NHS patient, then won't the same reasons for this exist whether you live in York or Brighouse?
Your current GP should be able to tell you if you should continue with the Nuffield because it's the most appropriate, or go through the options with you.

Savvy_Sue

I thought these days we were all supposed to be able to choose where we were referred to, certainly we're supposed to be able to choose where to have surgery!

Barcode

Hi,

Thanks, I was not sure, and had thought I would have to go local, which I would for other things, just not this. Thanks for clarifying.

kickstart_3

I have a chronic illness but during this time i have moved and still kept my specialist, so i cant see a problem.My GP sorted it out for me before i moved although i did have to change gp.

mr_rush

why not discuss this with your current consultant. basically either you stay under his/her care or they refer you to someone who has experience with phaeo's

LondonDiva

It also depends if your new PCT has a contract with the Nuffield. Wait till you move, then explain to your new GP. If the PCT does not have a routine contract with the nuffield & the GP is happy with the treatment, the consultant will contact them asking them to pay. All hospitals & consultants know how to do this.

Re choice in the general sense & not in a specific case like Barcode: You don't have the right to chose where to have an op, you have the right to be given a range to choose from. Subtle difference:D

This was becase quite a lot of patients suddenly decided they wanted treatment in France/Germany/Japan etc and submitted requests for funding including hotelks & flights :rolleyes:

Errata

By 2008 patients will be able to choose from any hospital or provider which meets NHS standards at NHS costs. HTH

Savvy_Sue

LondonDiva wrote: »

Re choice in the general sense & not in a specific case like Barcode: You don't have the right to chose where to have an op, you have the right to be given a range to choose from. Subtle difference:D

Distinction noted! Mind you I was taking it as read that the 'choice' was limited to hospitals normally offering that kind of surgery, rather than being able to opt for complex procedures at your local cottage hospital! :rotfl:

LondonDiva

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Distinction noted! Mind you I was taking it as read that the 'choice' was limited to hospitals normally offering that kind of surgery, rather than being able to opt for complex procedures at your local cottage hospital! :rotfl:

It is amazing though how literally people can take the drivel politicians spout...

A lady was very upset that the 'big, bad health authority' were picking on her lovely doctor because they wouldn't let him treat her. Turns out that the doctor in question was a ENT & the problem was a break in her hand that wasn't healing properly :lipsrseal

Another gentleman had decided that although his op was routine & due to take place in the next couple of months, he wanted to go to xx country instead & provided details of the exact flights & hotel he wanted to stay at. He's currently suing using the Human Rights Act & costing a fortune. Annoying thing is that with all the costs and time, it would have actually been cheaper to have let him go, especially as the organisation is desperately trying not to sack more staff ot balance the books... :think:

Errata

LondonDiva wrote: »

It is amazing though how literally people can take the drivel politicians spout...

A lady was very upset that the 'big, bad health authority' were picking on her lovely doctor because they wouldn't let him treat her. Turns out that the doctor in question was a ENT & the problem was a break in her hand that wasn't healing properly :lipsrseal

Another gentleman had decided that although his op was routine & due to take place in the next couple of months, he wanted to go to xx country instead & provided details of the exact flights & hotel he wanted to stay at. He's currently suing using the Human Rights Act & costing a fortune:think:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: