The consultation fee covers your initial visit and any further pre-operative advice you require. Fees for some procedures are standard, but for others, particularly combined procedures, fees vary according to their length and complexity. Precise details of surgery vary according to your needs, and these are discussed and determined at your consultation.
After consultation, you will be given a written estimate of the costs of your surgery, which include the surgical fee, the anaesthetist’s fee (if you are having a general anaesthetic or twilight sedation), and the hospital fee. Surgical fees usually include two follow-up appointments for removal of sutures and review, unless otherwise stated. Local anaesthesia is included in the surgical fee, unless otherwise stated.
Mr Gault operates at the Portland, Cadogan and Wellington Hospitals in London, and at the Clementine Churchill, the Bishops Wood, the Garden and the Thames Valley Nuffield Hospitals out of London. Some hospitals charge significantly less than others for certain procedures, particularly for some walk-in, walk-out procedures, and we usually include a range so that you can choose. The laser clinics are held at the Wellington (Carbon Dioxide laser only) and Lister Hospitals. PSR treatment is performed at the Portland Hospital, and men, too, can take advantage of this treatment in the new 212 facility.
Some of the hospitals at which Mr Gault operates, such as the BMI group of hospitals, offer packages which enable you to spread the cost of surgery over a period of time, sometimes with an initial interest free credit period. If you wish to discuss such a scheme, please let us know.
For insured patients, Mr Gault’s consultation fees, surgical fees and follow-up fees are normally covered in full by most major insurance companies (Standard Life, Executive Health Care, BCWA, WPA, CIGNA, Remedi, Norwich Union and Royal and Sun Alliance). BUPA members should be aware, however, that BUPA’s maxima are less than those of other Insurers, so there may be a shortfall which is payable by the patient. PPP (Private Patients Plan) members should be aware that PPP sometimes do not pay for follow-up fees within ten days of your surgery.
There may also be an excess on your policy, or specific exclusions. Surgery for aesthetic (cosmetic) reasons is usually excluded, for example. You will be asked to settle any shortfall and we strongly advise that you check that you have authorisation from your Insurer for the procedure you contemplate together with benefit maxima. Your insurer may ask you for an code to indicate to them the type of procedure you are considering, and we are always happy to help.
The applicable OPCS codes for ear reconstruction include: D0310 ear reconstruction including graft, T0320 Exploratory Thoracotomy, T0810 Resection of Rib, S3620 Full Thickness Skin Grafts and S2400 Large Local Flap). However, there is no code for multiple complex Z-plasties, carving of the cartilage framework from rib segments, nor for framework assembly, which doubles the procedure time.
There may also be an excess on your policy, or specific exclusions. We respectfully request that you settle the fees in full pre-operatively and request reimbursement from your Insurer, if applicable. For detailed information on the surgical procedures involved, we recommend that your insurance company advisors consult the following seminal texts:
Although we cannot guarantee it in every circumstance, a number of patients have already been able to continue under Mr Gault’s care under the auspices of the NHS through a discretionary arrangement similar to the new scheme called Patient Choice. You or your GP can approach your PCT (Primary Care Trust) direct to request the funding.
You can find out about Patient Choice on the Department of Health’s website: http://www.nhs.uk/choices/Pages/Aboutpatientchoice.aspx. Please feel free to ask your PCT liaison to contact us directly if they wish.
A number of NHS PCT´s may agree to fund surgery, particularly in the case of failed ear surgery.
PCT´s which have already authorised funding include: