Private Dermatologist?

[Brianbadonde]

Hi, been struggling with acne on my back for nearly 5 years now (I’m 35) and finally demanded to be referred to a derm after all other treatment options haven’t made a difference. Doctor got back to me today to say he’ll do that.. I sent a picture and said I’d finally had enough. Does anyone know what kind of referral time a derm might take? I only ask as I also contacted the spire to see how much a private consultation would be.. they’ve quoted between 180 and 200 and the price of treatment would be discussed then.. guess my question is do I hold out for nhs or save up for private appt but then potentially be shocked at how much the rest of the treatment may cost and be horrendously disappointed if I couldn’t afford it anyone with any advise who has been down this route?

 

[Platformcrocs]

A friend works at a private dermatology clinic and NHS referral times for a derm are well over a year just now. They're seeing a huge influx of patients who don't want to wait for the NHS, but you're right that it can be super expensive.

 

[marisa9]

I have just gone private for treatment on roaccutane as the waiting list for the NHS was so long. I could only afford to do this because I have medical insurance through work.

Each consultation is around £250 (paid for by insurance, mine only covers consultations), but on top of that, you have the cost of regular blood tests and prescriptions. Some GP's will do the bloods for you even if you are paying privately, however each prescription, depending on your dose, is anywhere between £50-£100 every month. My initial bloods, if I hadn't got lucky with my GP, would have cost around £400 (lipids, liver function, full blood count and pregnancy blood test).

I am absolutely not saying this to put you off going private, far from it, but I wish I had found some transparency around this when I was in your position, as everything I found online was very vague! It is very expensive and every private clinic/hospital will differ, so it might be worth investigating this before committing to a consultation.

I'd also do loads of research before you go on the types of treatments offered that might help you. Roaccutane was my only option left, as I had tried creams, contraceptive pills and two rounds of antibiotics. I did a lot of research on this medication beforehand too and knew it was what I wanted. There are a lot of scary things about roaccutane on the internet but I can honestly say I have had no problems whatsoever, 2 months in, other than extremely dry skin which I expected, and friends of mine who have been on it in the past have had the same experience.

Long story short, its very expensive to go private, there is no doubt about that, but once the initial consultation and bloods are out of the way, then its mostly just the prescription that will cost you, paid each month, so its a bit more manageable. Your derm will decide how often you require additional bloods and follow up appointments - mine are every 3 months.

If you decide you can afford to, I would absolutely recommend going private, however if not, get on the NHS waiting list as soon as you possibly can. In my area, it was around a 6-8 month wait - ask your GP if they have any idea how long it might be for you to help make your decision.

Please message me if you have any more questions, more than happy to answer

PS: I LOVE the username brianbadonde. Big Fonejacker/Facejacker fan here...!!

 

[Brianbadonde]

I have just gone private for treatment on roaccutane as the waiting list for the NHS was so long. I could only afford to do this because I have medical insurance through work.

Each consultation is around £250 (paid for by insurance, mine only covers consultations), but on top of that, you have the cost of regular blood tests and prescriptions. Some GP's will do the bloods for you even if you are paying privately, however each prescription, depending on your dose, is anywhere between £50-£100 every month. My initial bloods, if I hadn't got lucky with my GP, would have cost around £400 (lipids, liver function, full blood count and pregnancy blood test).

I am absolutely not saying this to put you off going private, far from it, but I wish I had found some transparency around this when I was in your position, as everything I found online was very vague! It is very expensive and every private clinic/hospital will differ, so it might be worth investigating this before committing to a consultation.

I'd also do loads of research before you go on the types of treatments offered that might help you. Roaccutane was my only option left, as I had tried creams, contraceptive pills and two rounds of antibiotics. I did a lot of research on this medication beforehand too and knew it was what I wanted. There are a lot of scary things about roaccutane on the internet but I can honestly say I have had no problems whatsoever, 2 months in, other than extremely dry skin which I expected, and friends of mine who have been on it in the past have had the same experience.

Long story short, its very expensive to go private, there is no doubt about that, but once the initial consultation and bloods are out of the way, then its mostly just the prescription that will cost you, paid each month, so its a bit more manageable. Your derm will decide how often you require additional bloods and follow up appointments - mine are every 3 months.

If you decide you can afford to, I would absolutely recommend going private, however if not, get on the NHS waiting list as soon as you possibly can. In my area, it was around a 6-8 month wait - ask your GP if they have any idea how long it might be for you to help make your decision.

Please message me if you have any more questions, more than happy to answer

PS: I LOVE the username brianbadonde. Big Fonejacker/Facejacker fan here...!!

Thank you so much for such an insightful post.. I guess this is my issue.. the actual consultation is affordable it’s the actual treatment that may not be or I’d have to finance it, whether that’s through the hospital themselves or I wack it on my cc.
I think what I’ll do is call the gp at the end of next week and check they’ve referred, ask if they know the waiting times then take it from there and make a decision but you’ve been super helpful so thank you
Haha gotta love Brian!

 

[Chickenandgravy]

I had to go private to get my acne sorted. Like the above poster it certainly wasn't cheap! Think the consultation was £130, roaccutane was £120 for a month supply, my gp did my bloods with a letter from my dermatologist but £35 for a pregnancy test every time I was due another month of roaccutane was a pain, considering they cost pennies to the hospitals. It was an expensive time but I would do it again in a heartbeat if I needed to, the wait that the nhs had I think I would've honestly tried to kill myself I was that low about my skin. If you can afford it then it's definitely a good option.

 

[Brianbadonde]

I had to go private to get my acne sorted. Like the above poster it certainly wasn't cheap! Think the consultation was £130, roaccutane was £120 for a month supply, my gp did my bloods with a letter from my dermatologist but £35 for a pregnancy test every time I was due another month of roaccutane was a pain, considering they cost pennies to the hospitals. It was an expensive time but I would do it again in a heartbeat if I needed to, the wait that the nhs had I think I would've honestly tried to kill myself I was that low about my skin. If you can afford it then it's definitely a good option.

Thank you for your reply, decided to get a few quotes from private hospitals just in case I call the go next week and they tell me I’m looking at a year can I ask how long you ended up on roaccutane for? Good that the gp did your blood tests for you but £35 for a pregnancy test!! You can get them in the pound shop haha!

 

[Chickenandgravy]

Thank you for your reply, decided to get a few quotes from private hospitals just in case I call the go next week and they tell me I’m looking at a year can I ask how long you ended up on roaccutane for? Good that the gp did your blood tests for you but £35 for a pregnancy test!! You can get them in the pound shop haha!

I did 6 months finished my course in 2017 and my skin is still clear

 

[omgyes]

I’m due to start my first month’s prescription of Roaccutane this week. I went private too as I couldnt cope with waiting on the NHS. Can anyone share their experiences with the drug? Basically, I just wanna know how long did it take your skin to clear up? Thanks

 

[Gairlfb]

I’m due to start my first month’s prescription of Roaccutane this week. I went private too as I couldnt cope with waiting on the NHS. Can anyone share their experiences with the drug? Basically, I just wanna know how long did it take your skin to clear up? Thanks

I’ve had two courses of Roaccutane, the first was when I was 17 and I think was for maybe 6 months. It cleared my skin up brilliantly for over 3 years but then when some acne started creeping back I went on a short dose again which helped stop it in its tracks. For the first few weeks of taking it my skin got quite red and sore but then it really cleared up quickly as that passed. It did dry out the rest of my skin, and my eyes and lips too so I used plenty of moisturiser, lip balm, eye drops etc. I’m quite pale so am usually careful in the sun anyway but it’s best to be extra cautious as it can make you very sensitive to burning.

I would say one thing I found hard was trying not to get disheartened when it seemed to be taking time and in some ways made my skin look worse at first - it’s hailed as such a wonder drug for acne that it’s really hard not to imagine having beautiful clear skin as soon as you’ve popped one pill. But it is powerful stuff and can have great results given time. Wishing you all the best!

 

[Chickenandgravy]

I’m due to start my first month’s prescription of Roaccutane this week. I went private too as I couldnt cope with waiting on the NHS. Can anyone share their experiences with the drug? Basically, I just wanna know how long did it take your skin to clear up? Thanks

Was the best thing I did!
My skin purged for the first 5/6 weeks then after that point it started to clear up. Make sure you stock up on lip balm....my lips used to burst open if I laughed
I was on it for 6 months between doses of 40/60mg (side effects were more on the higher dose so I came down again) but im off it 4 nearly 5 years and my skin is still great

 

[Brianbadonde]

Just an update, a referral came through for 12 weeks for the nhs.. unfortunately it’s at a hospital that is really difficult for me to get to with work so I’ve asked to change it to one closer which I have a feeling will be a much longer referral time so will wait and see how long and take the decision from there on whether to go private.
really good to hear everyone’s experiences and good luck @omgyes on your prescription

 

[omgyes]

Thanks guys! Really helpful