FAQs

How do I make an appointment?

If you wish to make an appointment please contact us.

Where should I go?

All appointments are at the HCA London Bridge Hospital outpatient department in the SHARD. You may wish to consult your insurance company to insure that they cover the location of your choice.

How long will my appointment be?

We allow ample time for both new and follow up appointments. The actual length of a consultation will vary according to the complexity of each individual case. Should further investigations be necessary a later appointment will be arranged.

Do I need a referral letter?

If you are paying for your own treatment, then a referral is not necessary although in general it is preferred. The majority of insurers will require a GP or physiotherapists referral before authorising a consultation, investigations or any treatment.

Do I need prior authorisation from my medical insurer?

It is always useful to obtain a pre-authorisation number from your insurer before the day of your visit to a hospital or clinic. We work with all of the major health insurance companies and if at the time of making an appointment you are unfamiliar with the procedure, we will be happy to explain how to go about contacting your insurer.

Do I need private medical insurance to be seen?

No. While most people being treated in the private sector will have insurance cover, an increasing number are choosing to fund their own treatment. There are a variety of ways to pay for treatment.

What if I am funding my own treatment?

If you are planning to fund your own treatment and would like to obtain an estimate of costs, there is no need for a referral and we are happy to base an estimate on the information you are able to provide.

Are you recognised by my insurance company?

Associate Professor Bo Povlsen is recognised by all the major insurance companies as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. There are a large number of policies that cover differing aspects of care and different hospital settings and we would recommend you ensure that you understand what is and is not covered under your particular policy.

Are your fees fully covered?

The London HAND clinic fees are usually covered in full by insurers, apart from your policy excess. However, there are many different insurance policy products and some of them may not cover the entire fee. We would advise you to check with your insurer before proceeding with any treatment.

Am I responsible for any fees?

Whether or not you have private medical insurance you are ultimately responsible for any fees incurred for consultations, investigations and surgery.

How is surgery organised?

Should any surgery be necessary, a convenient time will be organised based on the nature of the operation, the necessary rehabilitation and the recovery time.

Operative procedures all have a procedure code that insurers and hospitals use and you will need to obtain a pre authorisation number beforehand if using insurance.

How long will I be in hospital?

Some operations are done as a day case while others require a stay in hospital. Although insurers and hospitals will place an expected length of stay on any procedure, it is in general better to keep any inpatient time to a minimum. You will be discharged as soon as safe and able.

Will I need any painkillers?

Painkilling (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory drugs play an important part in your rehabilitation following surgery. They help to control pain and swelling, enabling you to carry out your exercises and increase mobility. You will be provided with a supply of medication to take away after your operation (TTAs) or with suggestions of "over-the-counter" analgesics.

Which hand/physiotherapist should I see?

We work closely with a number of excellent hand and physiotherapists and will discuss with you the most suitable location. Most physiotherapists are recognised by all the major insurers. You will need to check your policy to see whether or not physiotherapy is included. The number and frequency of sessions required will be individually tailored to, and guided by your progress.

What follow up will I need?

The number of further consultations you need will depend on the operation you have had and how closely we need to monitor your progress. We aim to continue to see you until you have fully recovered from any procedure and have been discharged back to your GP.