>===== Original Message From [log in to unmask] =====
>>
>I am under the impression you are in the UK. I assume the patients on
>your queue all have you national health insurance. My questions are: can
>a patient choose where they will receive there PT? Do all facilities
>have queues? Are there physios in private practice who will treat
>patients who will privately pay?
>
>I am in the UK. All the pts are on the NHS waiting list, referred
from either orthopaedic consultants or GP's. The pts do not usually
choose their location - the referral is sent to the physio dept
closest to the pts postal code. They can be sent to other depts
if it is more convienient fore them, but they do not choose the place
with the smallest queue.
We did a survey last year. A hospital 5 miles away had no waiting list at
all, and ours was at 8 weeks. We phoned up pts, and asked them if they
wanted to wait 8 weeks and come to our hospital, or been seen
immediately at the other hospital. Very few took up this offer.
I think it is a cultural thing. People are used to waiting for
healthcare, and most just accept it, unfortunately. This is why the NHS
will continue to struggle, as not enough people are prepared to pay
for private care, as in the US.
All facilities have queues. Most are about 4-12 weeks. Some are
up to 4 months!! Pts do see private physios if they have money,
and do not want to wait - this is very uncommon.
Hope this is of use.
Matthew
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