UK patients impatient with the NHS
People are turning to DIY diagnoses while they wait to find out what's wrong with them according to new research.
The ‘Delayed Diagnosis' study commissioned by Aviva UK Health, reveals that people aged 18 to 65 are researching their symptoms while they wait for appointments - leading to panic about the state of their health.
Nine in ten (93%) people say that their number one priority is knowing what's wrong with them when they are unwell, and worrying while they wait for their illness to be diagnosed makes being unwell more stressful (88%). This has led to:
Over half (54%) worrying themselves doing internet diagnoses whilst waiting for an appointment with a specialist
One in three (33%) have panicked after asking friends' and family's opinion of their symptoms
Nearly half (49%) have panicked that there might be something seriously wrong with them.
The research reveals that consumers still believe NHS waiting lists are too long (86%), with four in five (82%) saying the worst thing about the NHS is the amount of time spent waiting for an appointment with a specialist to find out what is wrong with them.
Six in ten (63%) believe that the standard of NHS treatment is just as good as private healthcare but that consultations are always rushed. Being able to get diagnosed more quickly (50%) tops the list of private healthcare advantages.
Aviva UK Health commissioned the study to mark the launch of its Speedy Diagnostics product, which allows patients to access diagnostic tests and specialist consultants privately while opting for NHS, or self-funded private treatment thereafter.
Neal Archbold, Head of Propositions and Market Development at Aviva UK Health said: "Almost nine in ten (88%) say that worrying while you wait to find out what's wrong with you makes being ill even more stressful. We've introduced Speedy Diagnostics to help remove this anxiety and enable customers to focus on getting better.
"We recognise that not everyone's budgets can stretch to a full health insurance policy covering both diagnosis and treatment and have developed Speedy Diagnosis to give individuals prompt access to benefit they most value - diagnostic tests.
"People value the quality of care that the NHS offers - but they want the peace of mind that quick access to diagnostic tests provides and the ability to make informed decisions about next stages of treatment. If this means returning to the NHS then knowing what is wrong with them helps their doctors prioritise them correctly. If they choose to have the treatment privately then knowing what is required helps them decide if the costs are affordable."
Speedy Diagnostics is a new low cost diagnostic health insurance policy that costs approximately 70% less than standard, full private health insurance. Individuals have prompt access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests as a private patient.
Key benefits of Speedy Diagnostics include:
No overall maximum benefit limit
Access to specialist consultations for diagnostic purposes
Cover for diagnostic tests including CT and MRI scans, x-rays, pathology and physiological tests such as ECGs
Hospital costs typically associated with diagnostics as an in-patient or day-patient
Speedy Diagnostics also gives customers access to 24 hour GP and Stress Counselling Helplines and up to 40% discount off leisure club and gym membership at a selection of UK gyms.