[Question] UK Divers - Experiences with PFO testing and repair with NHS and private insurance

[LivR95]

@LivR95 The UKDMC is the place to start, as mentioned above. Contact one of the diving medical referees for a clear diagnosis and a way forward.

This sounds like a good approach - thank you! Do you know what kind of rates they will charge?

 

[Edward3c]

This sounds like a good approach - thank you! Do you know what kind of rates they will charge?

They vary, but it one of the first questions you should ask.

 

[DavePoole]

Give me a shout if you like uk based pfo "survivor"

DM me and we can sort mobile nos

Hi Jon,

Which cardiologist did you see? I’m about to start on this journey after what seem to be a couple of lymphatic hits.

Thanks

Dave

 

[BlueTrin]

If you still need an U.K. forum try

https://www.thediveforum.com/

 

[Edward3c]

If you still need an U.K. forum try

https://www.thediveforum.com/

If they don’t find someone to run it soon it will be closed down as they won’t sell it.

 

[BlueTrin]

If they don’t find someone to run it soon it will be closed down as they won’t sell it.

I guess we will all lurk here then

 

[JonG1]

I was referred to Peter Wilmshurst at Shrewsbury

 

[TheCoolBeans]

i heard a rumour, from a trusted source, that a PFO is usually not corrected through surgery unless is is actively affecting you in your day-to-day life.

So if diving is a hobby, then you will likely have to pay privately to have the surgery. If you are reliant on making a living and the PFO is hindering this, ie your job is to dive (or some other specific instance in which a PFO is causing problems), Then you will qualify for treatment on the NHS.

This sounds fairly reasonable to me. I didn't question this when told from my friend in the industry but you should check with a diving doc.

 

[JonG1]

I dived with someone this June who had paid £10k for the op in the UK after trying everything to get it on NHS.

I think though there is a thread on uk based The Dive Forum about a member who's had a closure on NHS recently so maybe trusts differ in their approach.

TDF may cease at end of year so check it soonish if you can

 

[JonG1]

Apologies my mistake it was covered under a BUPA insurance policy

https://www.thediveforum.com/showthread.php?28960-NickPicks-PFO-Treatment&highlight=closure