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Should I pay for a private diagnostic scan?

Ash8866
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Hi everyone,

This week I went to my GP with concerns over concentration, balance, forgetting words and mispronunciation of some words. I got bloods taken that day and my GP is referring me for a CT. She asked if I have private healthcare, which I don’t, as she said the waiting lists can be long for a CT. 

As I’m sure you can imagine, my mind is going 100mph and seems to err on the worst case scenario. I have an appointment again with my GP in just under two weeks to get my blood test results and I’m toying with whether or not to just go ahead and pay for a CT scan privately. It looks to be about £600, which I don’t have, but I’m eligible for several 0% credit cards that I’d apply for to pay for it. 

Do I wait for the blood results and then go from there or do I just go ahead and arrange a private scan ASAP? How long have people waited for a diagnostic scan? Has anyone had one off treatment privately? Do they take payment at the time off booking, or on the day of the scan?  

I realise I have no formal diagnosis and I hope you don’t mind me posting here. I’ve been reading these forums for the past few days and I don’t really want to talk to any friends or family about this as I don’t want to needlessly worry anyone until there’s actually something to worry about. But I just had to speak to someone, get your advice and opinions. 

Thank you 

Ash

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    Hi

    Surely if they think it's urgent they will get your scan done quite soon.

    I seem to get mine booked in pretty quick.

    You shouldn't have to pay!

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    About medical exams: You may need more exams than just this one CT Scan before doctors are able to do a diagnosis. So this first CT Scan may just be a start, if it is inconclusive other exams may follow. With private health care you need to pay upfront before exams, not necessarily at booking, but probably on day of exam when you arrive, or as soon as it is finished, like at the dentist.

    I don't think it's a good idea to pay for this with credit. Credit card interest is VERY EXPENSIVE and if you are unable to pay the bill on time, you may end up with a huge debt. If you don't have any other means of payment, you could try to borrow from a trusted friend or relative instead of using cards.

    Your GP should be able to advise you about the urgency of the exam. If he thinks it's urgent he should be able to fast-track you, or send you to a different place. In cases when a patient needs urgent treatment and the NHS cannot provide it in good time, the patient is entitled to go elsewhere and the NHS has to foot the bill, but you should ask your GP how this works.

    Hope this is of help. Wishing you all the best!

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