Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes, almost always it is preferable that you are seen by your own regular GP who then makes the appropriate referral. This avoids mistakes and ensures that you are seeing the most appropriate person for your condition. It also means that you have had a chance to discuss your condition with your regular doctor who can advise you about the potential treatment options available. Exceptions are self funding patients with relatively minor, cosmetic problems. Occasionally, it may be possible to see your GP (and get a letter) after you have seen Mr Sarin first.
Is Mr Sarin recognised by my insurance company?
Yes, he is recognised by all the insurance companies and has a good, long established relationship with them. If your insurance company is less well known or based abroad, please check with one of our secretaries who will confirm and if necessary facilitate authorisation.
Is your anaesthetist recognised by my insurance company?
Yes, both our anaesthetists are recognised by all the insurance companies and have a good, long established relationships with them. They both are Consultants and hold substantial posts within the health service.
How do I know you are a specialist?
Mr Sarin is an established NHS Consultant, and is well known to the local GPs. He is also registered on the Specialist Register at the GMC. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Eng.), a member of the Vascular Society, written a thesis on 'Treatment of Venous Disease', authored many original peer reviewed scientific papers and made innumerable presentations to learned societies on surgical topics.
What if things go wrong?
As with any form of medical treatment things can sometimes not go to plan. Thankfully, this does not happen often.Should something ever go wrong, you can be assured that you will not be told 'just go to casualty'. Upon discharge following your treatment, you will have at least two contact number which you can ring day or night, an e-mail address and are allowed, indeed encouraged, to ring the ward (open 24/7) if you are worried in any way at all. This is a significant advantage and you can rest assured that the problem, however minor, will be addressed and resolved, no matter what time of day or night.
My surgeon is flying in specially for me. Do you do that?
No. In general one should only have medical interventions in environments that the surgeon is familiar with and is local to. This ensures that he/she has a team that works well and everybody is au fait with the equipment and facilities. One of the worst situations that a patient can put themselves in is to be unwell in hospital with the doctor/surgeon who has undertaken the procedure many miles away. 'Fly-in fly-out' surgery is not to be encouraged expect in the most unusual of circumstances.
Who is the best doctor for this condition?
In the UK, we are lucky enough to have an excellent and highly skilled surgical workforce. This means that for most common conditions you are very likely to have an accomplished doctor who is local to you. Exceptions of course, do exist for some rare conditions and some highly complex procedures. However, if you find that you have been persuaded to travel many hundreds of miles to have a simple hernia repaired or have some veins treated by the latest device, you are probably on the wrong track.