What happens next?

You will be sent a questionnaire and consent form to complete before you see me. This seeks to identify the focus of the consultation to maximise the chance that the consultation meets your needs.

The initial consultation

All new consultations with me are in-person (face to face). New outpatient appointments are in a 40 minute slot to allow adequate time for the history, examination and discussion. This is expected to be suitable for most patients. If a longer consultation is needed, this should be discussed in advance.

Included as part of the initial consultation are (where apropriate):

  • review of supplied pre-appointment information,
  • further activities after consultation (e.g. transferring and reviewing scans),
  • referrals for further investigations, or review,
  • results letters for any tests requested (and in the unlikely event of a critically important result, urgent discussion).

Following the initial consultation, most patients do not require follow-up, as the initial consultation meets their needs by enabling them to take further care steps with their General Practitioner, or other care services.

Follow-up

Recommendations for further care and management will be discussed, as appropriate. Where follow-up is likely to be needed, this will be discussed in advance, as well as alternative options such as referral to NHS services. Where a follow-up appointment is unlikely to require physical examination, remote review will be offered and supported (e.g. telephone, or video).

NHS care

Private practice is independent of your NHS care. Sometimes patients ask to have their ongoing care transferred to the NHS. I support patients with a referral to their local NHS services for ongoing care if requested and appropriate. This is only possible where the patient meets NHS criteria for referral or treatment.