Your consultation

Referral

It is very helpful to have a referral from your GP to be seen in the clinic. This gives the background to your medical condition and also the agreement of your GP for you to be seen by a specialist. We appreciate that it is often difficult to access a GP appointment, so we don’t absolutely insist upon a referral. However, it helps greatly to have the involvement of your GP, as we often ask GPs to help with investigations within the NHS and onward care.

What to bring

It is extremely helpful if you bring a list of all medications you may be taking at the present time. If you are using inhaled therapy, please bring the inhalers themselves with any spacing device you may use (eg Aerochamber).

It is helpful for people with asthma to record peak flows twice daily for about a week prior to the consultation.

Before your appointment

According to the symptoms mentioned by your GP in the referral letter, a chest x-ray may be requested prior to the consultation. This may not be needed if you have already undergone a normal chest x-ray elsewhere.

Tests

Breathing tests (spirometry and / or measurement of FENO) are often performed during the consultation, to measure the capacity of the lungs and health of the airways.

In some cases, further investigations may be recommended, for example a CT scan of the lungs or more detailed breathing tests. It may be possible to perform a CT scan immediately after the consultation. Full reports of CT scans usually take a couple of days to finalise. Blood tests may also be requested.

The cost of such investigations is usually covered by insurers, for those who have cover (see Fees). Some people who are self-funding prefer to have parallel investigations within the NHS, in the event that further tests are required, which may be possible by arrangement with your GP.

How long it takes

Typically, a first-time consultation takes approximately 30–45 minutes, although this varies according to complexity. Every patient is given the time necessary in order to reach a satisfactory diagnosis. Most people will need 2–3 consultations to assess and investigate a problem and to optimise treatment.