Follow up appointments
About 40-50% of our patients require one or more follow-up consultations.
A follow-up consultation is any consultation that relates to the concerns discussed at your initial consultation and, amongst other things, allows for a review of your condition and any investigations (such as blood tests or biopsy results), and to renew prescription medications.
A follow-up consultation is also required if there is a new or associated concern or any change in circumstance that you would like a further medical opinion on.
A follow-up consultation may be required as quickly as one week after your initial consultation or in a few weeks’ or months’ time. For example, if you have a very active skin condition that requires regular medical attention, you may require a weekly or fortnightly follow-up consultation.
You will be invited to make a follow-up appointment at a time that is convenient for you. As the clinic can get very busy, we advise you to make your follow-up appointment in good time.
The fee for follow-up appointments can be found here. It is important to factor in the need and costs for follow-up consultations when considering private medical care.
You will require a follow-up consultation for the following reasons:
- The nature of your condition is still being evaluated. Many skin and hair loss conditions will require assessment over multiple visits to establish clarity over a diagnosis.
- Your condition is not getting better or is getting worse on the prescribed treatment.
- Your skin or hair condition has flared, changed, fluctuated, or recurred.
- Your skin or hair condition is ongoing.
- You have been prescribed medications which means you require regular review and monitoring. Your doctor will usually renew your prescriptions and request and review additional blood tests as part of the follow-up consultation.
- You would like to discuss your condition or treatment again, or you would like more support in general with the condition.
- To go through a procedure that is being planned, such as a skin biopsy or an excision
- To go through the results of an investigation such as a blood tests or biopsy
- You have additional queries about your condition, treatment, or procedure.
- Your medications require modification. Each individual reacts to treatment very differently. A particular treatment plan is not always effective and may require amendment in some cases.
- You have experienced a reaction to medication or a side effect that requires assessment and treatment.
- You require ongoing medical care or support following a procedure (such as a biopsy or skin lesion excision, an initial wound check with a nurse assistant are included in the procedure fee).
- In general, “new” things require a further appointment. For example, if you have “new” blood test results (that were not done prior to your last appointment), or have new points to discuss, or have new changes or want to try a “new” treatment – then a new appointment is required.
Each appointment is for a single session of care which is why it is important to factor in potential further sessions with regard to time and costs.
If over 12 months have elapsed since your last appointment, you will be asked to book a further initial consultation.
Requests for repeat prescriptions are only considered among those who are under regular follow-up and are seen a minimum of once a year, or as per the review, schedule provided to you for your particular medication.
Can I have an E-mail consultation?
We do not offer E-mail consultations or correspond about clinical issues by E-mail.
Can I have a video or telephone consultation?
It is possible to have a video or telephone consultation instead of a face-to-face consultation in certain situations.
Can I see my GP?
You can see your GP as required, and we encourage you to do so. Your GP will receive a copy of all the communications sent out to you so the records they have are complete.
Is there a charge for a follow-up consultation?
Yes. Appointments are for a single episode of care, and if you should require further medical advice and assistance, then you will require one or more follow-up consultations which are charged according to the current price list, which can be found here.
It is important to factor in the need and costs for follow-up consultations when considering private medical care.
How do I make a follow-up appointment?
A follow-up appointment can be made by telephoning the practice or by E-mailing us. If an appointment is not available in the time frame you require, we will offer to add you to our cancellation list and contact you as soon as an opening arises.
I do not wish to make a further follow-up consultation and would like to transfer to the NHS
As a private practice, we cannot transfer your care to the NHS. We also do not advise you on NHS services or procedures.
If you would like to transfer your care to the NHS, we would advise you to discuss this with your GP, who may be able to make a referral to the NHS if it is appropriate and within the referral guidelines. You can find out more about your rights to NHS treatment here.
Emotional difficulties following a diagnosis or consultation
If you are experiencing emotional difficulties following your consultation, we can recommend a Psychologist to offer you assessment and support. Being referred to a psychologist is not uncommon when experiencing difficulties with your physical health. Please let us know if you would like contact details.
Further information on managing emotional distress, including links to support groups and self-help advice, can be found here.
