If you’re paying for your own private treatment, one of the benefits is that you can choose your own Consultant. Whether you already have a shortlist, a recommendation, or are starting your research from scratch, it’s important that you feel reassured that your health is in expert hands.
Read on to find out how to choose your Consultant.
Check their experience and qualifications
Consultant profiles
If you know what treatment you require but don’t know which Consultants specialise in this service, you can use our Consultant search to find relevant Consultant profiles on our website. Or, if you have a few in mind, you can simply search for a Consultant by name.
Our Consultant profiles highlight their qualifications, skills, experience, the treatments they provide and any features they’ve had in our health news articles or past webinars.
Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN)
You can also check the PHIN website which publishes the number of procedures each Consultant has carried out.
Professional registrations
All private Consultants must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and are assigned a unique number which you can search for on their website.
They may also be registered with a professional association, such as the Royal College of Surgeons, British Association of Dermatologists or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Many of these associations have a searchable online directory or you can contact the organisation directly to confirm.
Check patient reviews
If you’re trying to decide between a few Consultants, reading patient reviews can help you to identify how they interact with patients. You can search for a Consultant on Doctify or iWantGreatCare to find out more.
Searching for the Consultant's name on Google can also provide an overview of their background, any medical papers they’ve published and any patient reviews.
Ask your GP
Many Consultants also work within the NHS so your GP may be able to suggest or advise you on a specific health professional. This is because GPs often have a follow up appointment with patients after they have private treatment and therefore, see the results of different Consultants and have a lot of insight.
Ask friends and family
Once you have a shortlist of Consultants, you may want to speak to friends and family who have had similar treatment and may have experience with the Consultants on your list.
Talk to the Consultant and their team
The best way to discover whether a Consultant is the best fit for you is to book an appointment with them. Ensure you have a list of questions to ask them; the way they answer your enquiries will help you to make a decision about whether or not you feel comfortable with them looking after you.
Questions to ask your Consultant
- What is the experience of your Consultant, or group of Consultants?
- How many procedures do they perform in a year and what are their surgical outcomes?
- What are the risks that could affect the result of your treatment?
- What are the repeat operation rates for your required treatment?
If you’re not comfortable with your Consultant, most private hospitals are able to recommend another colleague who might be better suited. You may have to pay for a second opinion, but it’s better to have confidence in your decision when pursuing treatment.
Contact us about private treatment at Benenden Hospital
If our guide has helped you to decide which Consultant you’d like to see and you’d like to book your initial Consultation at our private hospital, use our Livechat, call our Private Patient team on 01580 363 158 or complete our online enquiry form.
Published on 30 January 2023