Your first visit

We look forward to seeing you at your appointment with us. Please take a moment to read this guide on how to prepare and what to expect.

Before your appointment

Please bring with you all relevant information, such as a list of your medication or the results of any investigations carried out before your first consultation with us.

Referral letter

If you have a referral from your GP or another health practitioner, then please forward this to us via email to secretary@midderm.co.uk, or alternatively bring it with you to your consultation.

Arrival at the hospital

Please present to the Reception Desk at the Out-Patient Department of the hospital, where you will be greeted by the staff. We recommend that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time to enable your registration with the hospital to be completed. The receptionist will check that all your details are up-to-date and correct.

It is necessary to register with both ourselves and the hospital as we provide the clinical service only and the hospital provides additional services that may be required for your care, such as blood tests, X-rays and facilities for surgical operations.

At your consultation

The doctor will carry out a full assessment. A friend or relative is welcome to accompany you. Up to 30 minutes are allocated for an initial consultation.

History

The doctor will begin by obtaining a thorough history of the condition and your general health.

Examination

The doctor will then examine your skin.

Depending upon the nature of your condition, it may be necessary to examine the skin over your entire body in addition to the area on which the problem is as this can reveal valuable information in making a diagnosis. You may be asked to change, in private, into a gown, leaving on only your undergarments, to allow a ‘head to toe’ examination. Your privacy and dignity will be respected at all times. A chaperone, usually a female nurse, will be present for female patients who require a full body examination.

We recommend you prepare in advance by:-

  • Wearing simple, easy to remove clothing
  • Removing all make up – this is essential if you have a problem over the face
  • Removing all nail polish so that your nails can be examined

Further investigations

The doctor may recommend investigations to aid in making the diagnosis including:-

  • Blood tests
  • Swabs to determine whether an infection is present
  • Skin biopsy. This is the surgical removal of a small area of skin so that it can be looked at down the microscope to aid the diagnosis.

You will have the opportunity to consider whether you would like to have the investigations suggested and self-funding patients will be advised of the fees.

Treatment

Any suggested treatment and options will be explained fully during your consultation in order for you to make an informed decision. If you require medication, you will be given a private prescription.

Report

You will receive a typed report sent by post summarizing your consultation. A copy will also be sent to the doctor who has referred you and/or your GP unless you specifically request us not to do so.

Further appointments

If the doctor has advised you to return to clinic for review on a later date, then you can make a further appointment at the Reception Desk before you leave. Alternatively you can telephone the Appointments Desk at the BMI Priory Hospital (0121-446 1638) to make or change an appointment.

Results of investigations

We will either write to you with the results of any tests or discuss them with you at a follow-up consultation.

Cancelling or changing an appointment

If you are unable to attend your appointment, you must contact us at least 24 hours before your appointment or a cancellation charge of £50 will apply.

To cancel or change your appointment, please ring the Appointments Desk at the BMI Priory on 0121-446 1638. Alternatively, please ring us directly on 0121-222 5242.

Payment

Please note this is a private consultation and the costs are not covered under the NHS. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information about our consultation fees.

Self-Funding Patients

Payment is required at the end of your appointment by card or in cash only. Card payment is obtained via Chip & Pin. Please note that cheques are no longer accepted by us. If paying by cash, please ensure the correct amount is provided as we do not carry change.

Medically Insured Patients

If you have private health insurance and are covered by this for your consultation, please provide us with details of your scheme, policy number and pre-authorisation number and we will invoice your insurer directly. Please note that you will be liable for any shortfall or lack of insurance cover. If you are unsure about whether you will be covered by your policy, it is essential that you contact your insurer for advice before attending your appointment.

Enquiries

Please contact us directly on 0121-222 5242 or secretary @midderm.co.uk if you have any other queries.

And finally…

We look forward to meeting you and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing MidDerm Ltd. You can find out more about our services and read our latest news and updates at www.midderm.co.uk