Private Shoulder Arthroscopy Abroad Avoiding NHS Waiting Times. Why wait longer than you need to and how to avoid NHS Waiting Time for shoulder arthroscopy? The maximum waiting time for non-urgent surgery is 18 weeks, and from what we have learned from our clients, sometimes they were forced to endure pain and possible disability by increasing NHS waiting times for shoulder surgery. With a little proactive thinking and determination, it is possible to get NHS refunded spine surgery sooner well within the 18-week maximum period. If your loved one or yourself are in pain, your wait for surgery is unacceptable for you and it is affecting your everyday activities, read on and discover how you could get the required treatment sooner…
Some clinics in Europe have agreed to accept NHS patients with the S2 form after Brexit. In order to get the S2 form you will need to have a private consultation with a surgeon in Italy (online or physically). After consultation, we will do the rest and the NHS should issue permission to travel abroad within 4 weeks. After that you will be placed on the waiting list in the clinic and treatment usually will be provided within 3 months, depending on your condition.
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a little invasive treatment abroad during which two or three approximately 1 cm wide incisions are made in the shoulder joint. The arthroscope (video camera objective) is inserted through one of the incision points that together with a very bright light beam illuminate the completely dark shoulder joint space. In repeated magnification operative surgeon sees the internal space of the shoulder joint on the screen. Surgery is performed through the other incision points.
Arthroscopy surgery is more recommended than open surgical treatment abroad as it is more careful and caring; this surgery can be performed abroad where it is much cheaper than in the UK. The recovery period is comparatively short and scars after the surgery are small.
Arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder joint is performed in case of repeated twists of the shoulder joint. With a special implant “anchor” the shoulder joint and its ligaments are fixed and stabilized protecting the shoulder from repeated twists.
During the surgery shoulder joint capsule is released, by splitting it across the surface of the joint (arthrolysis). For example, in the case of the “Frozen shoulder” capsule of the shoulder is inflamed, becomes thick and loses elasticity. When it is split during the surgery, a full amount of movement in a shoulder joint is restored. The treatment abroad can be performed where the standards are set just as high but is much cheaper.
Why did patients choose to have shoulder arthroscopy abroad?
There are more than one reason depending on diagnosis, required treatment, costs and others, these reasons include:
- Costs of total shoulder joint arthroscopy – shoulder joint arthroscopy abroad can often be found at a fraction of the price in the UK (between £300 – £1500).
- No waiting lists for shoulder joint arthroscopy –NHS are having long waiting lists for shoulder joint arthroscopy surgery (over 18 weeks), but by travelling abroad you can get treatment significantly sooner. And in almost all cases you will be able to get a refund for shoulder joint arthroscopy abroad.
- Specialised services – private clinics abroad tend to offer specialised orthopaedic surgeons and well-educated medical staff newest medical equipment. In situations when you are paying for service, you are expecting a high-level orthopaedic surgeon and that is what private medical clinics abroad do offer. And who would not want to be treated by the same doctor who has operated on pro athletes?
Shoulder joint arthroscopy treatment can be covered by NHS and can be refunded if shoulder joint arthroscopy is received in a private clinic abroad. Shoulder arthroscopy abroad could be an alternative you can afford.