How do I make an appointment?
If you wish to make an appointment please contact Mr Tai's team here.

How long will my appointment be?
New private patient consultations typically last 20-30 minutes depending upon the complexity of the case.

Do I need a referral letter?
If you are paying for your own treatment, then a referral is not a necessity. If you are insured, you are advised to check with your insurance company prior to seeing Mr Tai, as the majority of insurers will require a GP referral before authorising a consultation, investigations or any treatment. Many of Mr Tai's referrals come from physiotherapists and some insurers will now accept that mode of referral.

Do I need prior authorisation from my medical insurer?
It is always useful to obtain a pre-authorisation number from your insurer before the day of your visit to a hospital or clinic. Mr Tai works with all of the major health insurance companies and his team will be happy to advise and explain how to go about contacting your insurer.

Do I need private medical insurance to be seen?
You do not have to be insured to be seen by Mr Tai. While most people being treated in the private sector will have insurance cover, an increasing number are choosing to fund their own treatment. There are a variety of ways to pay for treatment but in general the hospital would require payment for surgery in full in advance.

What if I am funding my own treatment?
If you are planning to fund your own treatment and would like to obtain an estimate of costs, there is no need for a referral and Mr Tai would be happy to base an estimate on the information you are able to provide.

Are you recognised by my insurance company?
Mr Tai is recognised by all the major insurance companies. There are a large number of policies that cover differing aspects of care and it is recommend that you ensure you understand what is and is not covered under your individual policy.

Are your fees fully covered?
Mr Tai's fees are usually covered in full by insurers, apart from your policy excess. However, there are many different insurance policy products and some of them may not cover the entire fee. Please check with your insurer before proceeding with any treatment.

Am I responsible for any fees?
Whether or not you have private medical insurance you are ultimately responsible for any fees incurred for consultations, investigations and surgery.

By what method can I pay self funding fees or any insurance policy excess fees?
Payment to Mr Tai can be made using all major credit and debit cards, online bank transfers or cheques. Mr Tai's invoice contains all the necessary information to assist you with your payment.

How is surgery organised?
Should any surgery be necessary, a convenient time will be organised based on the nature of the operation, the necessary rehabilitation and the recovery time.Operative procedures all have a code that insurers and hospitals use and you are advised to obtain an authorisation number beforehand if using insurance. You can obtain this information by contacting Mr Tai's team.

How long will I be in hospital?
Some operations can be performed as a daycase (you are discharged from hospital on the same day as your surgery), whilst other procedures require an "in-patient" admission. Mr Tai, the hospital or your insurers will advise you on the expected length of stay after any procedure. Whatever your length of stay in hospital, you will only be discharged once it is safe to do so.

Will I need painkillers?
Painkilling (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory drugs play an important part in your rehabilitation following surgery. They help to control pain and swelling, enabling you to carry out your exercises and increase mobility. You will be provided with a supply of medication to take away after your operation (TTAs).

Which physiotherapist should I see?
Mr Tai works closely with a number of excellent physiotherapists. Most physiotherapists are recognised by all the major insurance companies. You will need to check your policy to see whether or not physiotherapy is included. The number and frequency of sessions required will be individually tailored to, and guided by your progress.

What follow up will I need?
The number of further consultations you need will depend on the operation you have had and how closely Mr Tai needs to monitor your progress. Mr Tai will continue to see you until you have recovered sufficiently from your procedure.


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