Step by step guide to self funding private treatment

Step 1. Search & compare hospital & surgeon care packages.

Consultant finders (whether independent or on private hospitals’ websites) are commonplace so you can view doctors in your area. The ranking (or ordering) of consultants displayed is often based on a mix of: patient reviews, location, alphabetical order and consultants selecting procedures they perform.

However, it can be difficult to determine whether surgeons truly specialise in the procedure you need. Compare my Care uses all available data and information to provide insight into hospitals, surgeons, their sub-specialties and performance, by procedure. Please note, for procedures not listed, our concierge team can help.

Step 2. Select & book your surgeon and hospital

The most important decision you make will be for the surgeon you choose. We curate each consultants’ information: volumes, revisions (redo) surgery rates, and evidence of better outcomes - where available. Our aim is to help remove some of the guesswork - showcasing providers who are true specialists in procedures. Read our article on How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Payment for your initial consultation is due at this point and usually costs between £200 and £300. This can be paid through the consultant’s office at least 48 hours beforehand or through our concierge team.

Step 3. Optional GP referral

When self-paying for a consultation or treatment, a GP referral for your new surgeon is not strictly necessary, however it can provide detailed medical information, investigations and timeframes, so your surgeon is prepared and has a record of any clinical needs at your initial appointment.

Step 4. Transfer existing X-rays to your surgeon

If you’ve had X-rays or scans taken within 3 to 4 months of your upcoming appointment, these should usually be sufficient. Compare my Care will connect you to your surgeon’s medical secretary, so any medical information or X-rays and scans can be shared in advance of your appointment.

*Please note: with no X-rays or scans, or with imaging that may not be sufficient, new diagnostic scans will be necessary and a follow up appointment with your surgeon. These will not be included in hospitals’ prices. Depending on the condition, our concierge team can sometimes arrange for patients to have scans just before their initial consultation to reduce costs.

Step 5. Attend your first appointment

After taking a medical history, reviewing scans and performing a physical exam, your consultant should confirm your diagnosis and discuss your treatment options and a plan. If surgery is required, they will explain the procedure in detail, the number of days and nights you will need in hospital, and spend time answering all your questions.

Once you’ve agreed to proceed, the consultant and hospital team will immediately begin the quote process, providing suggested dates for surgery.

Step 6. Receive a medical letter and quote for treatment

Your surgeon will provide a detailed medical letter outlining your condition and surgery followed by a quotation for treatment consisting of the hospital’s fees (surgery costs, standard pre-assessment tests, inpatient and day case nursing and physiotherapy costs), your surgeon’s surgical fees (including one or two follow up consultations), your anaesthetist’s fees, plus any prostheses (implants).

Each type of procedure has a CCSD code, so your surgeon’s team will work with the hospital to provide the most accurate quote possible based on your unique surgical and medical needs. In the event that additional costs will be incurred (over and above fixed prices) due to medical necessity, these should be explained at your consultation.

Please note, Compare my Care’s online fixed price for the standard treatment will only vary in the event of medical necessity, such as needing new imaging, or a more complex procedure.

Step 7. Confirm date/time of surgery and make payment

The costs of your hospital stay and surgery will be due once all details have been confirmed and you are satisfied with your hospital and surgeon’s costs - this is usually no later than a week prior to admission.

When you buy your surgery through Compare my Care our ‘Protect my Care’ insurance policy is included in the price - which will be the same price as going directly to the hospital. This means that if you need a repeat or revision surgery (in theatre) within 12 months, as a direct consequence of your original surgery, you will receive a refund.

Our concierge team can manage all payments for an episode of care, settling multiple invoices with various departments at each stage.

Step 8. Online or in person patient registration

Once your surgery is booked you will receive an online patient registration questionnaire which is part of the pre-admission process. This will ensure the hospital has all your essential information such as medical history and anything that might affect your treatment and hospital stay.

You will be asked to sign your registration form which, along with your admission letter and the hospital’s terms and conditions, will form the contract between you and your providers.

Step 9. Attend hospital for pre-admission tests

You will attend a pre-admission appointment with a nurse usually a week or two before your hospital admission. Depending on your treatment, tests are likely to include: blood pressure, an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood and urine tests, MRSA swabs and a Covid-19 screening test. The appointment with a nurse and the tests are included in your quote unless stated. Please note, Covid-19 tests are sometimes excluded.

If pre-admission tests reveal that changes to your clinical treatment are required, you will receive notification of any impact on costs before proceeding.

Step 10. Hospital admission

Admission to hospital will usually take place on the day of surgery. Once settled in your private room, your surgeon and anaesthetist will come and see you just before your procedure.

Compare my Care will continue to be there for you for any query whilst in hospital or after you’ve been discharged.

Step 11. Inpatient stay and hospital discharge

You will usually leave hospital on or before your predicted hospital length of stay. Especially with orthopaedics as length of stay is almost entirely predictable. If you require further time as an inpatient due to medical necessity, hospitals may charge for this eventuality.

Our concierge team can advise you of what’s included or excluded in your care package, and in the event of complications. All nursing, inpatient physiotherapy, dressings and drugs at discharge are included in your original quotation.

Step 12. Follow-up consultation with your surgeon

Most orthopaedic surgeons will arrange a follow-up appointment for 2 weeks post surgery. They will check your wound and ensure your pain and function are as expected and improving. Any questions you may have before this appointment can be checked with the hospital ward staff, or asked via your consultant’s medical secretary.

As part of your Protect my Care insurance policy you also have access to a private GP online 24/7 should you need support.

A final word about private healthcare and the NHS

Unlike in the past, you will always be able to access the NHS for free before, during or after your treatment in a private hospital. (For instance in the unlikely event of needing transfer to nearby NHS intensive care facilities.)

If you want to see a consultant privately this won’t affect your position in an NHS queue. They are entirely separate. Should you want more time with your NHS consultant, you can ask for a private consultation - if they have a private practice.

With your permission, your GP will receive letters explaining your procedure, medication and any follow-up that will take place.

For any questions about the contents of this article, accessing the private sector or just to talk about your healthcare options - contact our team by phone on 020 8064 0875 or by email on contact@comparemycare.com