UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello,

I was diagnosed with keratoconus in my left eye last year and have had one assessment from the Hospital which confirmed my diagnosis and said I would hear further. 6 months later.......I have heard nothing!

At the time I didn't know but my employer/I have private medical insurance and I have spoken to them and they said this would be covered.

I live in Leeds and was told that there are experts in Nuffield or Spire in Leeds and some in Bradford I could use but my question is has anyone any experience who can suggest someone who is good etc at these hospitals?

Thanks,

Hi there Northerner

Welcome to the Forum !

Hopefully one of our members who lives in that part of the world will be able to give you some advice on that one (in general, we aren't able to publish personal recommendations or criticisms on the open message board but people can send you a private message if they want to).

Broadly speaking, if you're having a consultation which is covered by a Private Medical Insurance policy (PMI), the policy providers these days tend to maintain their own list of "pre approved" consultants for the main specialities. You'll be needing to have a consultation with an ophthalmologist to explore your options for treatment. It might be a good idea to contact the PMI insurance carrier and ask for their pre approved ophthalmologists in the Leeds area. Firstly, it will make billing a whole lot easier because if they're on the pre approved list, then the consultant simply bills the insurer directly (otherwise, you'll have to settle the bill and then claim back the amount less any excess from the insurer). Secondly, their fee schedule will be what the insurer stipulates (e.g. £200 for a standard consultation and diagnosis, £100 for a corneal topology test etc.) but if you go to a consultant not on the pre approved list, they may charge a higher fee which the insurer won't cover in total and you'll have to make good any shortfall. Thirdly, while not infallible, the insurers won't have anyone on the pre approved list that has not got good patient feedback -- but like I say, it's not necessarily a given unfortunately, so do use your own judgement.

Best wishes, anything else you need to know, just ask.

Cheers

Chris

am in Leeds, but have only ever had my KC delt with by st james'
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