I work with other surgeons in my clinic and sometimes patients get in touch with skin cancers they would like removed.
They have usually already been to see their GP and referred to the NHS but they are still contacting me.
The other doctors will almost certainly say that they should get it treated in the NHS.
I think they think it is wrong or unethical in some way to treat patients privately if the NHS will treat it.
I understand this viewpoint, but I now realise it is wrong.
- It can be difficult and inconvenient for patients to get an appointment in the NHS.
- The waiting list is long and appointments are not flexible
- They often see a different doctor and may well not be treated by a consultant
- They may have had a previous bad experience in the NHS
To be honest, it doesn’t really matter what the reason is, the fact is that they are enquiring with you and so you should offer treatment if you can.
There is nothing wrong or unethical, in fact it is the opposite.
Episode 263
