Step-by-Step

We at the Knee Clinic understand that the process of obtaining private health treatment can be confusing, and that knowing how the process works beforehand can alleviate many concerns. The following steps can be used as a guide to take you through the process:

Most patients will have sought advice from their GP or physiotherapist.     The GP or physiotherapist assesses the problem and if necessary forwards a referral to a Consultant Knee Surgeon (some patients are now referred directly by their insurance companies).

At this stage you should contact your private health insurance company to check that investigation and treatment will be covered by your specific policy.

Their insurer will then give the patient a pre-authorisation number that will be required by the hospital and The Knee Clinic.

Sometimes the insurance company will not pay the full cost of the treatment, in which case the patient will be required to pay the shortfall.  If the patient is not insured the hospital can offer fixed cost packages or they can pay The Knee Clinic directly.

The Knee Clinic receives the referral and an initial consultation is arranged.  Sometimes our surgeons require x-rays or MRI scans to be taken before this initial consultation, if so the you may be asked to come to the hospital for imaging before the consultation time.  If you have already had x-rays or scans taken at another hospital please do let us know as we can usually arrange for these images to be transferred electronically.

During the consultation the surgeon will take a history and examine your knee before discussing how best to proceed.

Sometimes further x-rays or a MRI scan will be required.  You may be advised that surgery would be the best option, and if so an explanation of the most common procedures can be found here: Procedures

It is important that the patient contacts their insurance company again to confirm cover for their procedure. A date is made for surgery and The Knee Clinic sends the patient a confirmation letter explaining when they need to come into hospital and from when they need to fast .  The pre-admissions team at the hospital will then ring the patient to arrange an appointment, usually 3-5 days before the procedure, for bloods and a swab to be taken.  They will also go through any health issues that the patient may have and advise accordingly. Before their admission the patient should have either downloaded from our website or been sent the appropriate procedure specific consent form which they should bring with them when they are admitted.

On the day of surgery the surgeon will consent the patient and mark their limb. You will of course be given an opportunity to ask further questions should you so wish.  Each patient will require individual aftercare and that aftercare will be fully explained to the patient.  Further information about aftercare is available here on our website. The patient will then attend a follow up consultation with the surgeon at the required time after surgery.

Private Health Insurance Companies covered:

If your insurance company is not on this list please contact the office to confirm that you are covered.