Asking NHS to Pay

[milly143]

I asked a while ago about having excess hair removed and have decided that laser removal is probably the best option for me. Having looked up rough prices of it, it's not something I would usually be able to afford but I may be getting a bit of a bonus at xmas and if it's enough thought I might put it towards the treatment, however someone has suggested to me that I go back to my Doctor and ask for it to be done under the NHS. My initial reaction was that I couldn't ask for the NHS to pay for that but am intrigued as to what others view points are. Would you do it or do you think it's wrong?

[bednobs]

it's not up to you or other people to think if it's right or wrong - your local PCT will have a policy as to whether they fund this treatment or not, and if they do and you are entitled, you will get it. no harm in asking

[China Doll]

If you have PCOS then some areas will offer this to manage excess hair.

[milly143]

I've never looked into whether our PCT offers it so there might not be any chance anyway but if it is possible I'm still in two minds whether it's right or not.

[milly143]

Should have said I've had two blood tests (I think at least one was for PCOS) and both negative so there is no apparent reason for the excess hair.

[woofgang]

milly i think if its excess enough to be unusual and is distressing you then go and talk to the doc about it. Even if the NHS won't fund, you might be able to get good advice about where to go that is safe.

[askyourgran]

I have a white mark under the skin at the side of my eye, medical name xanthelasma. Several years ago I had it removed on the NHS by a plastic surgeon. Now it has come back. A couple of years ago I asked my doctor if I could have it removed again, this time they won't do it, they have stopped quite a few services like that. It will probably cost me around £2000 to have it removed. So I'll live with it.

[milly143]

Hi Woof, I have been to two different doctors and they both just said all I can do is wax, use cream, etc. The last time was a few years ago though but I am still with one of those Docs so I'm worried he might just tell me to stop wasting his time about the same issue. (the first doc was a woman).

[woofgang]

you might go straight to the PCT PALS department (Patient Advisory Liaison Service) and ask what the policy is. AYG if the mark came back the PCT might have a policy which says one removal only.

[daffy654]

I know a young woman who had a breast augmentation on the NHS, her breast size was 34A which she claimed was damaging her confidence and causing psychological problems.
I am also 34A and would love bigger boobs, but there is no way I would expect the NHS to pay for it.

Your situation is different though milly, there isn't really a cheap and easy way to remedy excess body hair. I would definitely consider speaking to a GP and ask them to refer you for a consultation with a specialist.

[woofgang]

I used to be involved as an advisor to the person in our PCT who was responsible for these kind of decisions. She wasn't a clinician but held the budget for discretionary stuff and would call on a panel of us with the clinical skills and knowledge to give views. there used to be 3 of us who dealt with the rehab stuff, requests for funding for special equipment. Sadly people see things advertised on the net and elsewhere that suggest that they can make the lame walk and the blind see (not so much now as a few years ago) and we used to be the folk whose job it was to look into the request and come up with the hard evidence on whether or not the equipment would be better for that person than the standard stuff that we supplied....usually not although it was often a prettier colour :-( She used to get INUNDATED with requests for breast implants and tattoos to be removed. Most of the requests were refused.

[milly143]

Thanks for your answers. To be honest I had actually compared it to getting a boob job on the NHS as of course it's not going to effect my health in any way, it has to be considered as a cosmetic proceedure, however it really does get me down. I am extremely self concious and if I talk to anyone I hold a hand up in front of my face or make sure my hair is kind of shaped around it. I won't let my bf touch my face or neck and if I stand in a queue I find myself looking at other people to see if they have any. It's just not very nice really.
Is there a way if I could find out if my local PCT offers this without wasting a Doctors time?

[mrs.chappie]

Our surgery seems to be cutting down big style. I am due a glucose-tolerance test. The last time I had one they supplied the glucose drink. This time I have to take my own. This might just be down to individual areas though, as that seems rather stingy to me.

If I were you I'd ask about it. I don't think you can compare it with, for example, someone wanting bigger boobs. And if it distresses you, it is affecting your health and well-being.

No doubt you've paid your contributions via National Insurance, so don't feel bad about it. Best of luck. You've nothing to lose by enquiring. x

[boxtops]

Milly, the idea to ask your PALS service is a good one, as the decisions will vary from area to area, and they are knowledgeable and know where to ask if they don't know. They won't consider it frivolous, and I don't think at all that it's an unreasonable request - you are still factfinding and if it can be paid for, then go for it. But however as has been said, the NHS is having to save millions and the moment, and some elective treatments may have stopped, or stop come 1st April 2011. Go ask them, you have nothing to lose!

[Jan1957]

I have the same problem milly and I do have PCOS, which was diagnosed 20 years ago. I have been told by my GP that it is not funded by the NHS.

[milly143]

I have to say I am surprised (and very grateful) by your answers. I was expecting more of a 'don't rip off the NHS' tone but not one person has said anything like that. I have been paying NI since I was of working age but I don't really consider that to give me any rights as such, although it would be lovely to get a bit of help if I can. I looked on the website for Oxfordshire PCT and have sent them a message through the contact us link but I think I might give them a call anyway. I know the NHS has no money and is making cut backs on really important treatments so I still am a bit unsure if my concious could allow me to take more money from the pot but I suppose there is no harm is finding the facts, as you say.

[joko]

it cant hurt to ask, but i doubt you will get it...i have pcos and very dark hair so its a constant struggle to control...alll over not just in the usual places...it drives me mad ansd there are other affects of removing hair in odd places...and causes me stress because im contstantly having to apply makeup to my top lip to hide the shadow...but the doc said no to me...

trouble is most girls have some sort of problem with hair and would love it permanently removed, so if there is no real cause of excess you are probably normal, just more aware of it than anyone else...

[milly143]

Thanks for your reply Joko. I know I am just more aware of it than others might, if I understand what you mean. I have the normal fine downy hair but on top of that I have thick dark hair, and alot of it. I pluck it all the time but if I were to just let it grow it would be very obvious. The fact the I have tested negative for PCOS bothered me (I know I should have been happy) because it still leaves me with no explanation for the hair. It really is more then just a little bit of normal facial hair though. Men really do have it easier! :o)

[anneasquith]

has anyone given you an explanation for your problem? no harm in trying nhs. good luck.

[milly143]

Nope. Been to see two GP's who both took blood for tests but neither revealed anything (unless they just never told me). I have often wondered if it could be anything to do with the fact I was put on the pill when I was 14 to combat acne and then kept coming off and on it again. I haven't taken the pill for years now though. The problem with the plucking is that it aggrevates my skin and I get spots - all after I thought my years of teenage acne were over. Ho hum.

[wolf63]

I have PCOS and suffered badly from excess hair growth. It smashed my confidence and was he11 to live with.

I approached my doctor who advised that help was available on the NHS but there was a two year waiting list. I eventually decided to have the treatment done privately. It worked - I still get treatments now (a few years down the line) but the improvement has been fantastic.

Ask about NHS treatment - but if you can afford to pay for it then think of it as a Christmas present to you.

I hope that the above makes sense I was snoozing and the phone woke me up - except I don't think that my brain woke up.

Susan

;-)