Consultations, Albyn Hospital
there are 3 large granite buildings, main reception is in the building shown here and they will direct you
In person
Often best for first meeting
Phone
Sometimes easier!
Video
No problem to do.
When are my clinics held?
Usually on Monday evenings, 6-9pm. I often do extra clinics on other days if required.
How long are appointments?
A “new” and “return visit”clinic appointment may last 40 and 20 minutes respectively.
Do I need a referral letter?
It is not essential but, ideally, it really helps. This is because I can look back through your old results, X-rays and blood tests and might avoid duplication of effort (and unnecessary cost for you!). Bringing your prescription is helpful if you are on lots of medication.
What happens during a consultation?
I have a chat with you, examine you and, if necessary, check your lung function tests (spirometry) and oxygen level. This involves a lot of forceful blowing on your part!
If you need blood tests, other scans e.g. CT scan, then I request these and they are performed later that week.
Usually CT scans are done within a few days of your appointment with me and I prefer if they are reported by one of the lung specialist Radiologists (rather than a general Radiologist).
The report therefore may take a week or so, but I think this provides a higher quality report to you.
If you are booked in for a CT scan later in the week and need blood tests, they can be done on the same trip.
Will I need a chest X-ray?
When I prepare for clinic I always look to see if you have had previous tests before. If you need a chest X-ray before seeing me I ask the Imaging Team at Albyn to contact you directly to get this done in the days leading up your appointment with me.
I can only get chest X-rays and scans during daytime hours, so this may mean a separate trip to Albyn Hospital before we meet.
When you come to clinic to see me, the Reception Team will direct you. It is a good idea to come early, to fill in paperwork.
Do I get a copy of my clinic letters?
Yes. I copy all my clinic correspondence to you, so you get the same letters that your GP team gets.
Will my health insurance company pay?
Most insurance companies are happy to cover a new and return appointment. You should check with them before attending.
Most insurers cover the cost of a sleep study. However, they rarely cover the cost of treatment (CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, which we arrange via a company called ResMed.
The return appointment is often well attending, particularly if you wish to look at your test results, e.g., a CT scan. There is often a lot of medical jargon in these reports that needs explaining! Depending on your health insurance policy further visits can sometimes be approved.
Equally, I am happy to phone you for a video or telephone consultation which can be helpful if you have a large distance to travel.
Costs
NEW CONSULTATION
What do I do for you?
Pre-consultation review of letters, result and imaging.
Consultation for 40 minutes often including assessment of lung function (spirometry) and oxygen level.
Post consultation work including letter to you and your GP.
Review of further test results and writing to you and your GP.
My fee also covers my costs (room rental, secretary, stationary, billing services).
My fee is £220, collected by Albyn Hospital. For some insurers, it may be slightly higher or lower.
RETURN CONSULTATION
Work done as above, for a 20 minute consultation.
My fee is £110, collected by Albyn Hospital. For some insurers, it may be slightly higher or lower.
TELEPHONE OR ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
The fees for these are as above, for a 20 or 40 minute consultation.
ADDITIONAL TESTS
Additional tests are often required, such as a chest X-ray (most patients), CT scan, and blood tests. I am not paid for these - any charges are paid by you or your insurer directly to Albyn Hospital.