Self-referral: Patient Information and Terms & Conditions

Many people choose to manage their health care by arranging their own diagnostic tests, either for reassurance or to assist further investigations. Contact Health offers diagnostic testing, including musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound and Echocardiogram scans.

If you are over the age of 18, and registered with an NHS GP surgery, you can self-refer for cardiac diagnostic tests and MSK ultrasound. You need to be aware of, and agree to, the following important information before proceeding with a self-referral booking:

  1. Scans will only be offered to all those aged 18 and above.
  2. You will need to complete a self-referral form, giving the reasons you wish to have a scan, and must state if you are following up a medical complaint or if you are looking for reassurance.
  3. Scans will only be performed on the areas which we routinely scan. The self-referral form will be vetted by one of the team, and you will be advised if we are unable to proceed with the requested examination.
  4. You accept you are solely responsible for selecting the area you want to be scanned and that you are not relying on any input, clinical or otherwise, from Contact Health.
  5. You must be registered with an NHS GP, to whom a copy of the report will be sent and with whom all discussions about your future care must take place. We cannot enter any such discussions with you.
  6. We cannot perform scans if you cannot, or do not wish to provide the name of your GP or other referring specialist (for example, your physiotherapist).
  7. If you require further information or have a query about the content of the report, the request must be raised by a GP or healthcare professional.
  8. You must understand that ultrasound and Echocardiogram scans occasionally identify unexpected abnormalities, which may or may not require further investigation. If so, these findings will be identified on the report and any recommendations will be followed up by your GP or other referring specialist (for example, your physiotherapist).
  9. You may bring a friend or relative with you if you wish, and they may stay with you during the scan.
  10. Cancelling your appointment less than 48 hours beforehand will incur charges that you will have to pay. (This will be subject to discretion for unavoidable cancellations due to illness, travel disruption, etc.)
  11. You will receive an electronic copy of the scan report via secure email. A radiology report will also be sent to your nominated GP within three working days of the scan.
  12. Any findings deemed by us to be ‘Urgent’ must be discussed with your NHS GP or clinical referrer before the report is provided to you.
  13. In most cases, the NHS and private medical insurance companies will not fund or cover self-referrals. All self-referrals are undertaken on a self-funded basis only.
  14. A standard Echocardiogram will be performed. The self-referral form will be vetted by one of the team, and you will be advised if we are unable to proceed with the requested examination.
  15. We are unable to accept referrals for patients with a congenital heart disease.
  16. A Cardiac Physiologist will write the report. The images and report will be seen by a Consultant Cardiologist prior to being sent to your nominated GP within three working days of the investigation. The report will include a clinical summary and any further recommendations.