Hello, looking for some advice please! I had my first appointment yesterday with a private neurologist who did some quick neurological tests on me (all normal except slightly reduced sensation in right side, but that was subjective based on how it felt for me). He wants me to have a full spinal and brain MRI, but I am not sure whether to stay and have it privately or on the NHS? Does anyone have any advice on what to do? Obviously it is expenisve to go privately, but would be 7 weeks quicker than NHS. However, if I go private I am worried about the aftercare as follow up appointments etc would be expensive. Plus, he said if the MRI is clear then they will send me the scan and that’s it, no follow up to discuss alternatives.
Thank you, any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated!
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Hi @bgrace26 . I am wondering why you went to a private neurologist? Did you or do you have particular symptoms of some sort that made you decide to see the neurologist? And what does your GP think the symptoms might be caused by?
A private scan might well be quicker than the NHS but if e.g it leads to the private neurologist diagnosing MS then you will still need to get on the NHS books for treatment, monitoring and care of any side effects. Others might know how this is done , how long it takes and any hurdles and difficulties
Hi, I’m new here … sorry to jump in but I’m looking for exactly the samnswers as OP but a bit behind … I have private consultation with neurologist booked for August. I’m pretty sure he’ll then want MRI … wondering whether to have that privately?
In my case, I’m going private because I’m sick of 7 minute dismissive phone calls from my GP, meaning they never link any symptoms together … frankly I just can’t face them again.
Thanks
Anne
If you can afford it, going private for the initial scan saves vital weeks of anxiety. However, make sure you have a clear plan to transfer back to the NHS for long-term care and follow-ups, as private costs add up fast.
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Hi there,
I saw an MS specialist neurologist privately for my first appointment and he requested further scans through the NHS (I was referred to his team in the NHS).
It’s up to you whether you do the MRI privately - it’s expensive, but if it gets you further on in the diagnosis path more quickly, then only you know how valuable that is to you.
Once you have been diagnosed / if you are diagnosed, you will be referred back into the NHS for treatment as this is not available privately.
Best wishes
Alison
Hi,
I went through something quite similar, so I thought I’d share my experience.
I chose to see a neurologist privately who specialises in MS (he also works within the NHS). This was during COVID, so NHS waiting times were longer than usual. After my initial appointment and neurological assessment, I was booked in for an MRI quickly privately. Once results came back and MS was confirmed, I was referred back to him on the NHS and continued my care that way.
In my experience, going private was mainly useful for speeding up diagnosis and getting scans done sooner. However, ongoing MS treatment and follow up care of a DMT is done through the NHS anyway.
So I think it depends on your situation:
If symptoms are worrying or progressing, a faster MRI privately can give peace of mind sooner
But if cost is a concern and things feel stable, NHS is absolutely appropriate but just slower
TL;DR: Private can speed things up a lot, but NHS is usually better for continuity of care and cost if you’re not in a rush.
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