Hello Janet @Apple - I have not seen a neurologist privately, however, I thought I would at least share my thoughts and give you something to think about.
Firstly, exactly as Ann says, do you think the outcome will be different because you pay for it and further, before you spend that money is it worth getting a second opinion which I believe you would be entitled to do?
My personal thoughts are the NHS is actually not all that bad and going private doesn’t necessarily guarantee a different outcome. What it does do as far as I am aware and indeed, I have experienced it for other medical conditions is get you quick access, so the waiting time is almost nil. If you have the money and time is of the essence, go private, but don’t expect miracles.
You may be aware, or you may not that many of the NHS consultants also work in private practice - so hopefully you would think that they should arrive at the same conclusion when they see you whether under the NHS or in a private capacity.
As per the above, this is only one example but it kind of supports what I am suggesting.
I myself have paid for private treatment and today I am still suffering from the same ailment i.e. after the NHS consultation I thought go private, I did and the outcome was the same. I am no better off and slightly lighter in the pocket. Now that is not to say this will always be the case.
As Ann says do you think there is a benefit or likelihood of a different outcome with a private consultation? If so, then to satisfy yourself, you should try it so that you can at least have peace of mind knowing that you have been examined as best as you can be.
I have heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for”, but in this case I am not so sure. Don’t forget, whilst you might think the NHS is free, of course it is not - you have paid into the system and that is why you are able to get the treatment under the NHS. Yes, there are some weaknesses but overall I think it is not such a bad system.
Hope this gives you something to think about.
One other thing I would add is that if you are thinking of going private, have you thought about complimentary medicine?
There are a few members on this forum who may have ideas, or they may not on this route (complimentary medicine), so I’ll give them a plug here. I am thinking of @pando Roland, possibly Rupert @Rups and one of our newer contributors @smellypup.
Wishing you all the best.
Namaste|
