In my area it is a physio who assesses you before referring to a consultant. I had been stoical for far too long about my painful hip. The physio took one look at the xray and said he didn't have to try any manipulation because it was obvious I needed a new hip.
Within 2 weeks I was offered a choice of 5 centres where I could have it done, 3 NHS hospitals and two private, where I could have the op as an NHS patient. From initial physio assessment to op was 4 months (it could have been sooner but we had a holiday and a family event planned) I think we must be very lucky in Durham.
I'm 12 weeks on from the op now. I got on a horse again for the first time for years last weekend. 😆 And I can cut my toenails...
The NHS don't do follow up physio for hips, but I had a few sessions with the physio at the private hospital I chose (on the recommendation of friends) That was definitely worthwhile and worth paying for. He was very unconventional and had me working on closing the angle at my hip joint to far less than 90degrees within a fortnight. He said that the danger of dislocation was minimal... He is head of the department, so I think he is OK on that..
I am over the moon with my new hip, it's wonderful to be able to do normal things, pain free. definitely worth a few weeks of post op discomfort.