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Frequently asked questions

 

Administration

What are your prices? Hide

Please call us on 0845 600 3476* for the latest prices and more information.

How is the service delivered? Hide

Musculoskeletal services can be delivered in many ways to suit your needs. We can deliver services on-site so your employees have fast access to our practitioners, saving time away from work. The value of this service has been proven and we can demonstrate the savings we will deliver as a result. Alternatively, our services can be accessed at Bupa Centres, where you will have exposure to our specialist team. Due to our position in the market and access to the top clinicians nationwide, we can cater for most musculoskeletal needs and are always keen to work closely with customers to deliver the most appropriate solutions.

How do I refer an employee for treatment or an assessment? Hide

If you have private medical insurance you simply need to call us to make an appointment after getting pre-authorisation from your provider.

Your occupational health team can make referrals directly as can your GP. We can also work with employers to set up self and/or manager referral pathways direct to our services.

Most insurance companies will request a referral to one of our specialists. Once this has been done an appointment can be booked with us providing the medical insurance details and all treatment will be covered. The insurer should be checked with prior to booking the appointment.

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Practical questions about our facilities and booking arrangements

How do I book an appointment? Hide

Call our booking line on 0845 600 3476* and ask for an initial appointment with a musculoskeletal practitioner.

What happens if I need to change my appointment? Hide

If your appointment is being paid for by your employer or has been pre-paid, a fee may be payable. This will be discussed with you at the time of booking.

What provision do you have for disabled customers? Hide

All customers are welcome to attend Bupa Centres. Please let us know of any disability at the time of booking so that special arrangements and/or an extended appointment can be made for you if necessary. For customers with restricted mobility, we will need to give additional instructions regarding parking or access to the building. Customers with other difficulties such as communication problems should, where possible, arrange for a friend, relative or other assistant to accompany them. For example, this could include an interpreter or signer.

Disabled access is available at the London Barbican Bupa Centre.

Bupa Centres do not have specialised equipment such as hoists.

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Specific questions about the service and what happens on the day (for employees)

What do I wear? Hide

Please be aware that you may be required to undress to your underwear, in order for an effective assessment to be carried out. Please wear appropriate undergarments and bring shorts if this would make you feel more comfortable. Chaperones are available should you require one.

How long will the treatments last? Hide

Most of our clinicians have 45-minute initial consultations and 30-minute follow-up sessions.

What do I need to bring on my first visit? Hide

Please bring a referral letter from your doctor, or referring clinician, if this has not already been sent by mail or email. Bring with you any X-rays or scans (eg MRI scan) relevant to your current problem. Please bring footwear, such as running shoes, or prescribed insoles (orthotics) if they are relevant to your current injury (eg leg pain in runners). Please also make a note of any medication that you may be taking.

Do you communicate with my doctor? Hide

If you are referred by your GP it is good medical practice to send a letter informing him or her of your consultation and progress. If you refer yourself and you wish us to inform your GP we would be more than happy to do so.

Will it hurt? Hide

You may be worried that the treatment is going to hurt and cause more pain than is already present. We are acutely aware of the importance of limiting the amount of pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. Our aim is to alleviate your pain. You may experience some treatment soreness, but this is usually transient and settles. If discomfort is excessive your treatment will be amended accordingly by your therapist.

Can physiotherapists manipulate? Hide

Yes, chartered physiotherapists with the appropriate postgraduate training are qualified to manipulate.

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General questions about the services

What qualifications do your clinicians have? Hide

The Bupa Centres' musculoskeletal teams are made up of some of the most experienced specialists in the UK.

All Bupa Centres' doctors are medically qualified with postgraduate training in sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal medicine, orthopaedic surgery or rheumatology and rehabilitation.

All Bupa Centres' physiotherapists are musculoskeletal specialists with a minimum of five years’ experience. Many have postgraduate specialist qualifications and experience in occupational health, manipulation, motion analysis and sports injuries.

Bupa Centres' clinicians have looked after world class athletes in numerous sports, including rugby, cricket, athletics (Olympics), swimming, tennis, football and modern pentathlon. They have intimate knowledge of the corporate healthcare market, work closely with Bupa Clinics occupational health and use clinical care pathways to ensure standards and consistency of care.

How many treatments will be needed? Hide

There is no pre-determined number of treatments for a specific condition, although a recent study showed that Bupa Centres' physiotherapists consistently delivered fewer sessions to case closure compared to two other leading physiotherapy providers.

Following the initial assessment, the clinician will discuss and agree a treatment plan with you. This may include advice regarding the approximate number of treatments you may require. An individual’s response to treatment will vary.

Do I need to be a Bupa member to use your service? Hide

No, anyone can use our services.

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Next steps

  • *Calls may be recorded and may be monitored

Contact us

  • Telephone

    To discuss your needs call

    0845 600 3476*

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