Not allowed private medical treatment - Why do I need permission?

[Myrm1989]

Good day,

Long story short, I had a back injury about 2 months ago and I'm in agony and may lose my job over it. Hospitals have refused to x-ray my back and my doctor has said it's "not really her job". I've contacted a few private hospitals/clinics and I would like at minimum a full back x-ray but ideally a CT Scan. Time and again I'm told that I need my doctors permission and that I can't just pay for medical treatments. My doctor of course won't give me permission. Why is it her business? Especially when she won't do anything? I have spinal damage around my 5th vertebrae, I need some kind of help. I am literally asking to pay for help. I'd rather not pay but jesus I will pay.... I will pay a lot, I really, really need help. It's my back and my money, but I'm not allowed scans or treatment.

I have no idea where to begin with regards to taking this the legal route. I appreciate it'll probably cost money, I'm not a rich person but put it this way, whatever the treatment costs I'll pay it, whatever it costs to facilitate actually being allowed to be treated I'll pay it. The alternative is being disabled and jobless so it's not a choice.

Kind regards - if anyone could offer any pointers

[Scot22]

In my limited experience this is how the system works. Reasonable if NHS paying to avoid wasted expense. However, not in this case.
I believe at our local Spire private hospital you can pay to see a G.P who can refer you.
Hope this helps.

[SELMAR]

Good day,

Long story short, I had a back injury about 2 months ago and I'm in agony and may lose my job over it. Hospitals have refused to x-ray my back and my doctor has said it's "not really her job". I've contacted a few private hospitals/clinics and I would like at minimum a full back x-ray but ideally a CT Scan. Time and again I'm told that I need my doctors permission and that I can't just pay for medical treatments. My doctor of course won't give me permission. Why is it her business? Especially when she won't do anything? I have spinal damage around my 5th vertebrae, I need some kind of help. I am literally asking to pay for help. I'd rather not pay but jesus I will pay.... I will pay a lot, I really, really need help. It's my back and my money, but I'm not allowed scans or treatment.

I have no idea where to begin with regards to taking this the legal route. I appreciate it'll probably cost money, I'm not a rich person but put it this way, whatever the treatment costs I'll pay it, whatever it costs to facilitate actually being allowed to be treated I'll pay it. The alternative is being disabled and jobless so it's not a choice.

Kind regards - if anyone could offer any pointers

I empathise with you. In March this year I was in a similar situation and in agony that was beyond description. I contacted a local Chiropractic Clinic and was able to be seen as an emergency case. (no GP input except for Codeine Phosphate and Amitriptyline). The Clinic had in-house xray facilities and determined that my Lumber 5 disc had collapsed onto my Lumber 4 trapping my Sciatic nerve. This month I was able to function in the Cairngorms. The prices were reasonable. £90 for the 1st consultation (Including Xray) and £38 for the subsequent 5 treatments. I am now cured.

[itsmejerry04]

Sorry to hear that but I will pray for that thing you are going through.

[Manxman]

Only just noticed this thread, so hope you've got everything sorted out, but if not...

You haven't made it clear, but are you saying that you have asked your GP to refer you privately for an investigation, and your GP has pointblank refused? I don't understand what you mean when you say that she told you "it wasn't really her job".

I'm a retired NHS manager and I would not expect a GP to refuse to do a private referral except for a very good reason.

Have you actually asked her to do a private referral? Have you actually asked her to do a NHS referral? If you have, what was her reason for refusing? I find it hard to believe that she simply justified it by saying "it's not my job" - of course it is! If it is causing you so much pain and trouble at work, you must surely have discussed the reasons for her refusal in greater depth.

I had to be referred to a cardiologist a few years ago and my GP was more than happy to do a private referral. (I saw the same consultant I would have done on the NHS but three months quicker). I'm also waiting for an ultrasound scan of a possible hernia, but if the NHS are going to take much longer I'll get it done privately at the local Spire. If my GP won't do a referral I'm sure that Spire can "arrange" one for me.

You really need to discuss with your GP why she won't do this. If she doesn't approve of people "going private" that isn't a good enough reason.