My father has....well, lots of problems, and we thought osteopathy might be a good idea for him.
We were told that he could be referred to an osteopath on the NHS, but the other day he went to the doctor and was told this isn't available unless you go private. His friend is getting osteopathy paid for by the NHS so what is right? Does he just need to see a different doctor or is his GP right?
Osteopathy is one of the 'alternative' treatments being recommended for lower back pain on NHS, although I think it will take time to roll out to all PCT's. My advice would be to get his GP to check the NICE report, and find out if it is now available in that area.
Osteopathy is available in certain areas. It is a question of post code lottery.
Best thing as said is to write to your doctor and your health authority and M.P.
It's more a case of the what budget your GP has, and how they want to spend it. My husband has had 6 Chiropractic sessions on the NHS, but he had to see an NHS Physiotherapist to say they thought it would be beneficial. Last time he was only allowed 3, time before he was told he couldn't have it at all!
sorry but you are talking tosh1
The PCT determine who or what the G.P. can refer to! If they have not set up a contract with local osteopaths then the G.P. is powerless to refer.
Sorry for my late reply, so much has been going on recntly that i completely forgot i started this thread!
Thankyou everybody who took the time to give advice.
So he needs to ask the GP to check the NICE report, and also ask the local PCT about their policy on funding osteopathy. I can imagine in that case the GP is right, getting funding from our local PCT is a nightmare usually 🙁