Private Health MOT checks

If it will give you peace of mind, go ahead.

I would never even consider it, as why take up a doctor's time if you are feeling well?

I would make an appointment fast enough if I suspected something was wrong, but I have no interest in being told that I might develop this that or the other in time.

I have every reason to be grateful to Bluecrest for uncovering a condition that I had suspected for some time but my GP said was my advancing years. I have used them several times and always found the reports helpful. The last check I had was last September and it included TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) for the first time. My result indicated that I have an underactive thyroid confirming my own suspicions that the GP had dismissed. Not only that she was trying to persuade me to take statins for elevated cholesterol. It turns out that high cholesterol is another symptom of an underactive thyroid. I am now being treated with levothyroxine but it’s still early days working up to the dose that my body needs. In addition it turned out that I had thyroid nodules that were suspicious. Thankfully the biopsy was negative. None of this was picked up by the GP and if it hadn’t been for Bluecrest, I would still be getting fobbed off. And no I didn’t need statins!

I was tempted when I received a similar offer as on first look it seemed sensible.

I ran it past a family medic and was told that there was no way that should I accept this offer. If it looked too good to be be true, it probably was.

I can't think of exactly why it was such a 'no no' but think it was to do with inaccuracy, dodgy follow up etc.

Still easier to get crack cocaine here than a GP appointment!

Just an afterthought. I wonder how many people are taking statins when in fact they have an underactive thyroid…
It may be the cynic in me, but I understand that GP practices are offered financial incentives to boost the number of patients given statins.

My standard NHS MOT blood tests include thyroid levels.

I had private health checks that work paid for. They used BUPA for years and they were brilliant. They took hours to go through as well. Then they changed to Nuffield which didn't feel as thorough. Ivthinkbit depends on what you pay for, but I did like the fact that I was checked thoroughly every year.

I think I will have a go and splurge (£129 -hoho!) on the Bluecrest offer. I'll report back in due course.

We had one of those in privately held in local hotel . I though it was very good and checked a lot of things . It picked up something in me … not serious but useful to know .

You can only get them on the NHS up to the age of 74. Do they write us off after this?

Another cynical afterthought as to why I was constantly fobbed off by my GP about my thyroid… Once you take levothyroxine it’s for life and free of charge. Not only is that free of charge but also every other prescription you may ever need for anything at all!

Autumnrose all prescriptions are free in England for over 60’s. I assume you’re younger.

I would have thought your local NHS surgery would do routine health check, probably by a practice nurse these days, give them a call and ask.

I also received that invitation from Bluecrest. Whilst deliberating I realised I’d be away on the appointed date so threw it in the bin. I will be interested to read your verdict Nellietheelephant though 🤞

Autumnrose

Just an afterthought. I wonder how many people are taking statins when in fact they have an underactive thyroid…
It may be the cynic in me, but I understand that GP practices are offered financial incentives to boost the number of patients given statins.

My GP has tested my thyroid function twice and I don't have any problems.

Even if the private screening provider finds. something untoward the NHS will not accept those tests and will insist on their own set of. diagnostic screening tests......waste of money in my opinion.

Joseann

My uncle was a GP and totally against these checks. He said it was far better for a patient to come along with a specific worry to investigate than to go chasing unnecessary tests.

Yes, most GPs will agree that they are a waste of time and money, and that they pander to 'the well off worried well' for no reason.

However, as it is so difficult to get appointments these days, I can understand why people choose to have them done privately- sadly all part of the Tory plan.

Did that once it was a bit of a con because two of the tests I was supposed to have couldn't be done due to lack of staff and machinery. Then the report on the few tests I did have were extremely scant and non commital. I got the strong feeling that these company doctors or nurse's they use to write the reports are scared of a litigious outcome if they do say anything that could hold them accountable for false claims and statements.
I recently needed to see a Cardiologist the wait was twelve to eighteen months as they were still trying to clear the backlog from Covid. I phoned my local private hospital and got an appointment with a Cardiologist within eight weeks. He was wonderful and I would certainly see him again. He arranged a mountain of tests on the NHS which found out what my problem was and I am taking medication for my heart problem. I would definitely take this route again and all you need to do is telephone your local private hospital tell them you want an MOT and ask the cost you don't have to go ahead but I think it's a far better option than these rip off rubbish hotel health companies.

'' I phoned my local private hospital and got an appointment with a Cardiologist within eight weeks. He was wonderful and I would certainly see him again. He arranged a mountain of tests on the NHS which found out what my problem was and I am taking medication for my heart problem. '

thank you for confirming this is still taking place - same for operations and other treatments. This is NOT supposed to happen nowadays- the two systems are supposed to (!!!) be totally separate- but clearly are not.

I am very sceptical of paid for “health screening”, and many medics I have spoken to agree.
I would ask if there is a good credible scientific basis for the tests you are paying for. Are the risks/benefits adequately explained to you beforehand?
Some tests results may not be that meaningful, results may not necessarily negative or positive, and knowing about some conditions may not limit or improve your quality of life or longevity.

Just my thoughts, but I can understand why some want the reassurance of undergoing screening, particularly as the NHS can be difficult to access at present.

Many worthwhile screening tests can be accessed via GP practice, or national screening for cervical, breast and bowel cancers, which are evidence based.

American insurers usually insist on annual check ups. It's far cheaper to treat something caught early. Waiting for symptoms can often be too late.

Autumnrose GP's are very slow to do anything about a low thyroid issue. Good for you sorting yourself out but you shouldn't have had to. Levo didn't sorst me out so I now see a private Endo who added T3. With tweaking over time I'm in a better place.
It's mind boggling how many issues are directly as a result of hypothyroid. I often wonder how I never heard of the tyroid until my 50's!