How do I get referred?
Mr Maxim Horwitz is happy to receive referrals from a variety of sources. However you should check with your insurance company whether you require a referral letter from your general practitioner. If you wish to make an appointment the telephone number is 020 8150 8290. Self -pay patients do not need a letter of referral
What do I need for my first consultation?
A referral letter from either your general practitioner or physiotherapist is usually required if you are paying with private health insurance. This may have already been sent direct to Mr Horwitz’s office. You should also bring your insurance policy number and authorisation code for the consultation. Any X-rays, MRI scans or previous correspondence should also be brought with to the consultation
How long will the consultation last?
The standard new patient consultation lasts up to 30 minutes. Some conditions are relatively simple and a through explanation including demonstrations with anatomical models can take less time than this. Some complex conditions can take longer and the office usually identifies these patients and makes allowances for extra time. Follow up appointments last up to 15 minutes but again can vary. Either way Mr Horwitz will ensure that at the end of the consultation that you, as the patient, are clear about the issues involved
Please note that if you arrive later than 10 minutes after the start time of your appointment Mr Horwitz can request that you re-book for another time, as he simply will not be able to give you adequate time for your consultation and discussion. For this reason we advise that you arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your consultation time so that you have enough time to register at the front desk before going to the consultation room location
How much does a consultation cost?
Mr Horwitz is recognised as a Provider by all the leading insurers and will charge reasonable and customary rates which, with very few exceptions, are within the guidelines of all the main insurance companies. Prices are set according to the scales produced by the major insurance companies.
If you a self pay patient Mr Horwitz’s standard fee for an initial consultation is £300 and a follow up consultation fee is £200. Further pricing information can be provided upon request.
You need to provide your insurance details prior or on the day of your consultation or you will be billed as a self pay patient.
Will I need an X-ray?
Conditions that affect bone such as fractures and arthritis often need x-rays. An x-ray will be done on the same day and the results discussed with you by Mr Horwitz. Most Insurance companies cover x-rays as part of the initial authorisation, but please check first. If you are a self-pay patient the Hospital will charge you directly for x-rays
What if I need a scan?
Scans (MRI, CT, and ultrasound) are expensive and authorisation is almost always required by the insurance companies. Scans are usually performed on a separate day and a follow up appointment required discussing the results. On the day of the scan we request patients make a follow up appointment for a week by which time the radiology doctor will have had time to review the images and write a report and discuss this with Mr Horwitz.
If you are a self-pay patient the Hospital will charge you directly for any scan that is required. They will provide quote for fees upon request
Information Leaflets for patients
We have produced a leaflets to give more information to patients who may be offered treatments with a Consultant Radiologist via ultrasound. Download our Steroid injection leaflet for information on plus also gives contact details to book your injection with relevant radiology departments plus hand therapist details.
Decision making tool for carpal tunnel patients
Decision making tool for dupuytrens patients
What if I need surgery?
The decision for surgery is not always easy and adequate time will be offered to ensure you understand what is involved. Often Mr Horwitz will arrange for patients to see the specialist Hand therapist before surgery to discuss the rehabilitation post operatively if particularly involved. Once you have decided on surgery you will be consented for the operation and an OPCS code given. A suitable date will be discussed with Jahlan/ Helen or Karen in the office.
What should I expect after my operation?
Download our Surgery Information Leaflet for details on what will happen on the day and after surgery. Contact the office info@thehanddoctor.co.uk with any further specific questions.
What is Consent?
Consent is a very important part of the surgical process. It is the process in which the patient and surgeon have the opportunity to discuss the planned surgery in detail and be fully aware of the risks and benefits. A signed document outlining the procedure, risks and benefits is filed in the notes and a copy is retained for the patient
What is the OPCS code that my insurer asked me to obtain?
The OPCS code will represent a particular operation. It will usually consist of a capital letter followed by four numbers. For example a carpal tunnel decompression operation will have the OPCS code A6510. Mr Horwitz should be able to give you the code once a decision has been made to perform surgery. Occasionally multiple OPCS codes are required for one operation and this would represent two or more different procedures being performed in the one operation. Once you have been given the OPCS code you should inform your insurance company to obtain authorisation
What are Day Case and in-Patient?
These terms describe the amount of time spent in the hospital. A day case operation is performed and the patient is allowed home on the same day. An In-patient is kept in overnight following surgery. This may be for a variety of reasons such as co-existing medical conditions, social circumstances, more careful observation required etc
Who will do my operation?
Mr Maxim Horwitz performs all private operations. Occasionally for complex cases he is assisted by another experienced surgeon. There will be no extra costs incurred if an additional surgical assistant is required
Who will I see after my operation?
Mr Horwitz will check that you are comfortable and in a satisfactory condition after surgery and you will be discharged from the hospital by the nurses. You will be followed up in the outpatients department either by a nurse or a hand therapist usually 3-5 days post op and then again 10-14 days post op for mobilisation or splinting and then for removal of stitches. Mr Horwitz will see a patient for a follow-up after surgery usually around 2-4 weeks post op (although every case is different and the office team will contact you in the days post-op to book your follow up appointment/s.
What if things go wrong?
Complications are fortunately quite rare in hand and wrist surgery. However they still can occur. The close post operative attention that you will receive from the nurses, hand therapist and Mr Horwitz would hopefully identify and problems early so that they can be rectified. You are free to call Mr Horwitz at any time through the office number 0208 150 8290 or the hospital switchboard in a genuine emergency