• Appointments at Nuffield Hospital (Cheltenham)
• Appointments at Cobalt Centre Clinic (Cheltenham)
• Appointments at Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
• admin@UpperLimbDoctor.co.uk
There are various pathways of referral depending on your circumstances. It is often helpful to get a referral, but do not worry if you do not have one as you can simply explain the reason when making an appointment:
1. Private healthcare insurance: If you have private health insurance you may be able to be seen and treated under your policy. You will need to discuss this with your insurance company, who will be able to advise you exactly what you are covered for. You can then get a referral from your GP / Physiotherapist / Healthcare Practitioner, or you can contact my secretary directly.
2. Self pay referral: If you intend to pay for your consultations and treatment yourself, you can either discuss this with your GP / Physiotherapist / Healthcare Practitioner, or simply contact my secretary directly.
3. Unsure which type of referral: Please contact my secretary to discuss the best way forward.
You may require investigations such as xrays, an ultrasound, or an MRI scan. These may be performed either before your consultation or during the consultation process. In this way, by the end of your consultation the majority of patients will have a diagnosis and if ongoing treatment is required then this can be arranged without further delay. Treatment options may include specialist physiotherapy, injections, specific splints & supports, or surgery.
Your initial consultation usually takes around 20 minutes, but if you require additional scans it may be possible to arrange these on the same day, in which case you will need to allow additional time. Alternatively, we can arrange them at a later date which suits you. Follow-up consultations vary depending on what needs to be covered, but are typically 10 - 15 minutes. If you have any questions it is often helpful to write these down and bring them with you as it can be difficult to remember them during the consultation.
You will be advised what time to arrive for your appointment. After you have settled in to the hospital, both myself and your anaesthetist will visit you to prepare you for your surgery and to answer any questions that you may have thought of.
Usually you will be able to go home the same day, in some cases you may need to stay overnight. What is likely in your particular case will be discussed with you prior to your surgery day.