FAQ

More About the HDA

How does the HDA work?

You can contact us any time when you feel you’ve exhausted the advice and treatment you can get through your own Doctor and the NHS.  We will then discuss your situation in detail to understand if and how we can help you. If we cannot help you at the initial discussion stage we may then refer you onto a specialist member of the HDA, who will have more experience of your particular problem.

Why was the HDA set up?

To provide a NHS patients a gateway to a network of private doctors that can offer a free, impartial, second opinion on their healthcare.

Does the HDA provide an emergency doctors service?

No, the HDA is only available by appointment.

How is the HDA funded?

The HDA is currently funded through donations from individuals, fundraising efforts and by our Trustees.

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More about the service you’ll receive

Are there any set criteria I would need to meet to be able to see a member of the HDA?

There is no set criteria. We will discuss your situation with you when you get in touch and will let you know if you are eligible to see one of the Doctors.

Where will I be seen?

This will depend on each individual Doctor and will be discussed with you when you contact us.

How soon will I be contacted?

Within a couple of days.

What will happen next?

Together we will plan the best way forward.

Will I have to pay for my appointments?

No, the service is completely free of charge.

If I would like to make a contribution, can I?

Absolutely, we welcome any support we receive. You can donate either through our website or directly with the HDA Doctor you are seeing. They will ensure any contribution is passed onto the HDA.

How can I be confident that I am seeing a registered and qualified professional?

All the practitioners are members of the Independent Doctors’ Federation (IDF).

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The HDA and the NHS

How does the HDA work with my NHS doctor?

With your permission we always like to contact your doctor.

If I’m given a prescription, will I need to pay for this?

If you normally pay for your prescriptions then you will need to pay for any supplied by your HDA Doctor.

If I need tests or an operation, how are these managed?

In the first instance, we would try to refer you back to your NHS Doctor with a recommendation that the tests are completed.

How is the advice and treatment I receive fed back to my NHS doctor?

All NHS or private sector doctors will be informed of the HDA doctors diagnosis and treatment recommendations in writing unless you request otherwise.

I’m able to request to see all of the information my NHS doctor holds on me at any time. Can I do the same with the HDA?

Yes.

What happens if my NHS doctor disagrees with the HDA diagnosis and treatment recommendations?

It will be up to you to choose which advice to follow.

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Other Information

What is the patient support group?

This is a group that provides us with feedback on the efficiency of our service and treatments, as well as ideas for the future development of the HDA.

I don’t live in London, can I see a member of the HDA?

We have Doctors in a number of locations and we will work with you to try to accommodate your request.

Is the HDA registered under the Data Protection Act (DPA)?

We are currently undergoing the process to register with the DPA. All  Doctors will have their own individual registration with the DPA so you can rest assured that any personal information you give us will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

What do I do if I’m not happy with either the service or the advice I receive?

We do not claim to know all the answers but will do our best to help you.  The IDF has an excellent complaints procedure which you could always make use of.

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