Some patients start by visiting their GP or physiotherapist and are advised to “see a shoulder surgeon” or “see an elbow surgeon” for their shoulder or elbow problem. Some patients are recommended by word of mouth and many have seen me before and come back.
You can book a clinic “outpatient” appointment direct with Spire Hospital or contact my secretary, Mrs V. Holland who can advise on clinic times and consultation costs. If you have private insurance you will need to contact your insurer at an early stage. I am fee assured by major private insurers including BUPA, Vitality, Axa and Aviva.
You would make an appointment to see me in clinic at Spire Hospital, Harpenden or OSD, Hemel Hempstead. During the appointment I take a detailed history of your problem and then observe and examine the problem area. X-rays or other types of investigation may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Some patients require surgery to relieve pain or to improve their range of movement but others simply want to have a diagnosis and reassurance.
Checklist
1. Referral
Get a referral from your GP or physiotherapist or make an appointment yourself. If your GP is difficult to see, you can request a telephone consultation to request a referral or just book to see me if in pain. If you’re privately insured, always check with your insurer so that you can abide with their requirements.
2. Arrange a Consultation Contact whichever hospital or clinic you prefer direct to make an outpatient appointment to see me in clinic at Spire Hospital Harpenden or OSD, Hemel Hempstead.
You can contact my secretary if you have questions about clinic times and days.
3. Consultation During the consultation, I assess patients by taking a detailed history and by performing a clinical examination.
4. Further Examination
Patients may be sent for investigations such as x-ray, ultrasound scan or MRI scan and/or bone scans. I use scanning facilities at both Spire Hospitals and OSD, Hemel Hempstead.
5. Surgery
If surgery is required, this can be arranged at Spire Hospital Harpenden or One Hatfield.