A Guide to arranging treatment on a self-paying basis
Many patients are now choosing to pay for treatment themselves, not only to avoid lengthy waiting lists but also in order to see their preferred consultant. The prospect of arranging surgery may appear a little daunting, especially if you are feeling anxious or worried. We have put together a guide to explain what you can expect when choosing to have your treatment with us.
1. Contact your GP
Although we don’t always ask for a GP referral, it may be advisable if you have a complex medical history, or have already had any related appointments, tests or scans at other hospitals. Having this information available at the initial consultation allows us to make the most out of our time together and avoid any delays when arranging possible treatment.
If you are unsure of whether you require a GP referral, please feel free to ask us on 0113 218 5971.
2. Contact us to arrange your consultation
A booking for a consultation can be made by contacting my secretary directly (0113 2185971) or contacting the relevant hospital bookings team (see below for contact details). We can normally arrange an appointment for you within a couple of days, however this may be longer depending on which hospital you choose to proceed at.
The cost of an initial consultation is £150. This is a one-off fee which will also cover any subsequent appointments you may choose to have. We want you to feel confident that you are fully informed about any recommended treatment or surgery, in order to make the important decision of whether to proceed.
Out-patient clinics available at:
Spire Leeds Hospital – 0113 218 5908
Alternate Mondays 5.30-8pm, Thursday 9am-12noon, Saturday 9-10am
Nuffield Leeds Hospital – 0113 388 2067
Alternate Mondays 6-8pm, alternate Saturdays 11am-1pm
Nuffield York Hospital – 01904 891 762
Wednesday 2-5pm, alternate Friday 1-3pm
Or e-mail us at info@cosmeticsurgeryleeds.com / claire.bartle-coates@spirehealthcare.com
3. Initial consultation
What happens at an initial consultation?
Appointments last approx. half an hour, or as long as you need. Here you will be examined and advised on any recommended treatment or surgery. The nature of the treatment/surgery will be explained to you, along with any associated risks and complications, and also what results you can expect post-operatively.
We may ask one of our nurse specialists to be present for your examination.
4. Quote for treatment
Following your initial consultation, providing no diagnostic tests or scans are required, we will be able to confirm the final price of your treatment/procedure. A tailored written quote is sent to you in the post, or via email if you wish, to confirm the cost of your surgery. For now, please refer to our “prices” page for a guide price of the treatment at your preferred hospital.
If surgery is required, each of the listed hospital offer a “package price” which covers your pre-operative assessment (if required) and the surgical fees of the hospital, your surgeon and anaesthetist. All follow up and dressings appointments until you are ready to be discharged will also be covered under your package.
Following this initial appointment, if you feel you no longer wish to proceed on a private basis, you can return to the care of your GP and continue your treatment pathway via the NHS.
5. Tests or scans which may be recommended
At the time of your consultation, we may advise that you have diagnostic tests or scans (e.g. mammogram, ultrasound etc.) carried out. These may help determine what treatment, if any, is required. Your chosen hospital will be able to give you a price for these tests before you proceed.
Following the tests/scans, you will be invited back to clinic to discuss the results. Again, there will not be a charge for this appointment.
6. Booking your treatment / Surgery
Now you’re ready to book your recommended treatment / surgery. Please contact my secretary by email or phone to discuss potential dates for surgery, allowing for time to recover and allow time off work. We would recommend no long distance travel/flying for 4-6weeks before or after surgery.
You do not need to make a payment for your procedure in order to secure a treatment date. If you are booking in for surgery, the hospital will invoice you separately with your “package price” – payment of this is required approx. ten days prior to your surgery date.
If you are booking in to clinic for a treatment i.e. dermal fillers or Botox, this will be billed to you by the hospital following your appointment.
Once booked in, the hospital will send you an information pack about the admission, process and payment. Please contact my secretary if any advice is required or queries arise.
7. Pre-assessment
If you require surgery under a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment beforehand. This will be carried out by one of our specialist plastic surgery nurses approx. 10 days prior to your surgery and involves a number of tests which assess your health before you have an anaesthetic.
Procedures which are carried out under a local anaesthetic do not generally require a pre-assessment. This is something which can be confirmed to you at the time of your initial consultation.
Now you are ready to proceed with surgery.