Schilling test

disabled_NCIS_fan

Does anyone know which hospitals do them. The doc wants me to have it done and I have a horrible sinking feeling I am gonna have to travel far. My docs have been great and offer all sorts of help, it is just me trying to mentally work out how much I need to set aside for fuel money to give my dad.

malebolge

Why not just ask the doctor where you will be referred? I didn't think Schilling was performed anymore but some places must still do it if your doc is requesting one.

disabled_NCIS_fan

That's the thing, they are looking for a hospital to do it. Like I said I am just trying to tot it up in my head how much I might need to set aside for travel.

HB58

disabled_NCIS_fan wrote: »

That's the thing, they are looking for a hospital to do it. Like I said I am just trying to tot it up in my head how much I might need to set aside for travel.

How long is a piece of string? Until/unless your doc manages to identify a lab that is prepared to carry out the test then you have no way of assessing likely travel costs.

jules8542

I don't know what the test is for but I do know if you are claiming certain benefits you can claim public transport, rail taxi or bus fares as long as you get a receipt. Just in case you weren't aware of it.

KxMx

It'll be fuel costs, bus or rail, the criteria for taxi refunds are very strict.

Certain means tested benefits give you automatic entitlement to full help with travel costs.

There is also the NHS Low Income Scheme.

I am on a contributions based benefit but have qualified for partial help under this scheme.

You fill in an HC1 form and the possible outcomes are no help, full help (HC2 certificate) and partial help (HC3 certificate).

Click here

I have an HC3 and have to pay about a tenner per week for Hospital travel before I get a refund. Had to get the train to a London Hospital for an early morning appointment was £60 odd quid! So even partial help can be worth having.

You can get a refund from the necessary place on the day, they will have mileage lists for fuel costs and so on.

I find when I visit a new Hospital an email to their PALS department to get the procedure for claiming on the day works wonders

You can also get a refund form to claim via post after the appointment, but as I don't drive I have no idea what proof they will require for fuel mileage (if I have to claim by post I just send in the travel tickets).

Morglin

Most sites suggest this test is no longer done, as hospitals cannot obtain the equipment etc., needed for it.

But, this site has advice and support sections, and they might know what hospitals (if any) do it:

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/pernicious-anaemia-and-b12-deficiency

Lin

disabled_NCIS_fan

Thank you so much. Forgot I can claim for travel. TBH its been a bad few months health wise and its all been going so fast this isn't something I thought of until they said they were looking for a hospital.