A referral from your GP or another hospital doctor is required for an appointment.  I allow enough time in the clinic for a thorough clinical assessment to be made, with the aim being that a firm treatment plan is made at the first visit.  You can expect to be asked to undress to allow a proper examination, and should therefore wear clothes such that you will feel comfortable in doing so.

NHS Appointments

My Spinal Disorders clinic is on Wednesday afternoon, General Orthopaedics is on Thursday afternoon, and fracture clinic is on Friday morning.  At these clinics you may be seen by me, a junior doctor or a senior physiotherapist.  I do however review all scans and major treatment plans.  I personally prioritise all referrals, based on the information provided in the letter.

Private Appointments

Private appointments are available for patients with health insurance or on a self-funding basis.  Clinic is usually held on Tuesday in the Private Patients Unit at Noble’s hospital.  Cost of an appointment is as follows:

• New spinal appointment £180
  
• New orthopaedic appointment £120
• Results follow-up £100
• Post-op follow-up £80

Payment is due on the day of the appointment, or insurance details should be provided.  If receipt of payment is significantly delayed then the account will be passed on to a third party debt collection service, and an additional surcharge will be levied (15%, minimum £20)

Non-attendance or cancellation with less than 24 hours notice will ordinarily incur the full charge of the appointment.

Private appointments are provided on the basis that all further treatment should also be provided on a private basis.  Transfer to NHS care is permissible, but you should be aware that no further treatment or investigations will be arranged until all accounts are settled, and that no priority will be given over other existing NHS patients.