Got an appointment to see my GP in two weeks' time. Want to ask her to refer me to a Dermatologist. The last time I asked that, I had to wait 6 months for an appointment. Is there any other way to get to see one quicker? I do not mind if I have to pay as I am getting desperate to find some relief.

(Thu-14-05-2015, 21:02 PM)HenryB Wrote: Got an appointment to see my GP in two weeks' time. Want to ask her to refer me to a Dermatologist. The last time I asked that, I had to wait 6 months for an appointment. Is there any other way to get to see one quicker? I do not mind if I have to pay as I am getting desperate to find some relief.

Yes ask for a private referral that should get you seen within days then you can ask to go back on NHS
I've done it myself when my wife was ill and got to see a specialist the next day cost around £100 but certainly jumped the queue, and was treated on the NHS
But you should never have to wait 6'months for an appointment

Thanks Jim.

I will definitely insist this time for a private referral.

(Thu-14-05-2015, 21:02 PM)HenryB Wrote: Got an appointment to see my GP in two weeks' time. Want to ask her to refer me to a Dermatologist. The last time I asked that, I had to wait 6 months for an appointment. Is there any other way to get to see one quicker? I do not mind if I have to pay as I am getting desperate to find some relief.

You don't need to pay (unless money is no object then by all mean pay) but you have the right to see a dermatologist.

You have enough cover of psoriasis to not get fobbed off, so demand demand demand. If they say six months then lay it on a bit, psoriasis is a recognised autoimmune problem and can have huge psychological impact on ones quality of life.

I'm not sure if these are relevant to Scotland as I think your health system is more under control of the Scottish, and I don't want to get to political  but these threads are about the UK so may help if you have your reading glasses on (if needed).

Psoriasis on NICE quality standards
NICE issues new guidance for GPs treating psoriasis
NICE Quality Standards for Psoriasis