Chronic tonsillitis - going private?

Cat Melodeon

My brother (aged 20) has suffered from tonsillitis on and off since he was young. In the past two years he has had at least 10 episodes of severe tonsillitis (difficulty breathing, swallowing etc) and has been prescribed antibiotic after antibiotic, but it keeps coming back. His doctor referred him through the public system over a year ago (he has a medical card), but we haven't received back as much as a confirmation that he is on a list somewhere.

I was wondering if anyone here has gone privately to an ENT specialist? My brother is included on my health insurance but this only lasts until he turns 21 early next year. I have never gone private for any condition and was wondering what the procedure is. My brother asked his GP about getting a private referral but the GP was no use whatsoever - couldn't recommend a consultant, didn't seem to know anything about how private insurance works, just wanted us to sit on the public waiting list. I'll ring my insurer tomorrow for advice, just wanted to see if any boardsies had any experience of this.

cynder

Depends what insurance you have!

You better of phoning them to see what level of cover you have.

Dizzyblonde

My daughter had a tosillectomy privately earlier this year. Your insurance company will be able to tell you what consultants/hospitals that your brother is covered for and then you can phone one for an appointment. The cost of my daughter's initial appointment was €180 and then her insurance covered the rest. She had her surgery in the Hermitage.