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Originally Posted by Bryanna
PJ,
However in most cases, there is no waiting period and if there were, the paperwork would generally be moved through quickly. Other people have insurance coverage that does not require a referral allowing them to obtain special medical or dental services very quickly.
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Hehe, it's not as as bad as you may think. Physicians have a 'Two Week Referral' system for anything which is deemed dangerous to a patient. So for example, if a doctor finds a suspicious lump on a woman's breast, they'll be referred under TWR. That means they must be seen by the specialist surgeons within 14 days of the referral.
There is private healthcare which is quicker and arguably better but the NHS is a service funded by the government (the tax payer covers it) and sees that patients get their treatment in hospital free of charge. I have long wondered what the difference is between a US citizen paying health insurance and a UK citizen paying taxes to cover the NHS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryanna
The only way I could foresee getting you into the specialist sooner is for your new dentist to do the referral now instead of waiting another two weeks. She has already examined you and determined you need the referral. So why can't she do the referral based on her last exam of you?
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My dentist could have made a referral before now and was happy to do so, but it was just before Christmas and New Year and so was agreed that we would enjoy the holidays before progressing things. I also wanted to look into the possibility of private treatment but have found this to be a bit too expensive. She was kind enough to give me amoxycillin and metronidazole in case anything flared up over the holidays but i've been fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryanna
It must be frustrating and difficult to remain tolerant during this drawn out process, especially when you are living with a physically uncomfortable problem. Gosh, I don't think I could do it!
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That's the strange thing, it's not physically uncomfortable. Yes, the palate is a bit swollen and there is drainage if I compress the area, but if I leave it alone then I wouldn't even know there's a problem! Of course though, I know that there is a problem and i'll look forward to having it sorted out.
Good luck with your treatment Ginnie. I get the feeling you'll be a rather relieved and happy person once it's all done!