Private rheumatology in Surrey

Get fast access to expert rheumatology treatment near you

Private rheumatologists at Runnymede Hospital in Surrey

At Runnymede Hospital, our dedicated private rheumatology service provides a range of private treatments and services to patients.

There are over 200 musculoskeletal conditions and disorders that affect the bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues and our team of specialist Rheumatology Consultants will help diagnose and treat them.

We offer regular outpatient clinics where a consultant can diagnose and offer a suitable treatment plan for your individual needs.

Runnymede Hospital is in the historic town of Chertsey in Surrey. People come to us from all over Surrey, including Addlestone, Weybridge, Cobham, Chobam, Byfleet and West Byfleet. We also welcome patients from further afield, and even overseas.

Runnymede Hospital offers you fast, direct and convenient appointments with a private Consultant Rheumatologist. Your consultant may be able to reassure you that what you are experiencing is nothing to be concerned about, or they can discuss treatment options that could relieve your symptoms so you can return to enjoying your life.

Together, you and your consultant will decide the most appropriate course of action for you and develop a treatment plan built around your needs and requirements.

Some of the most common concerns for seeing a private Rheumatologist are:

Persistent joint pain
Inflammation indicated by joint swelling
Tenderness of the joints
Stiffness, redness, warmth
Joint deformity
Loss of range of motion or flexibility
Fatigue, lack of energy, weakness

How much does a private rheumatology appointment cost at Runnymede Hospital in Surrey?

The cost of an initial appointment with a rheumatologist starts from around £200.

The cost of rheumatology treatment will depend on various factors, from your symptoms and the condition causing them, to which treatment is recommended. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, and you’ll receive a full breakdown of costs before making your decision.

Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

What conditions do our rheumatology specialists at Runnymede Hospital treat?

Rheumatologists manage a wide range of conditions, many of which are chronic and require long-term treatment. Some of the most common include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis, caused by wear and tear of the joints over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Gout

A type of arthritis caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

A complex autoimmune condition that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

Ankylosing spondylitis

An inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, leading to stiffness and pain.

Osteoporosis

A metabolic bone disease where reduced bone density increases the risk of fractures. By diagnosing these conditions early and providing effective management, rheumatologists can significantly improve quality of life, helping patients maintain independence and reduce pain.

What happens during a rheumatology appointment at Runnymede Hospital?

Your rheumatology appointment at Runnymede Hospital begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. Your consultant will want to understand when your symptoms began, how they have changed over time, and what impact they have on your daily activities.

A physical examination usually follows. This may involve assessing your joints for swelling, tenderness, or stiffness, checking your range of motion, and examining muscles and soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, your consultant may also check other areas of the body that could be affected by autoimmune or systemic conditions.

Diagnostic tests are an important part of rheumatology. These may include blood tests to check for inflammation or specific antibodies, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to look at joints in detail, and sometimes joint aspiration, where a small sample of fluid is taken for analysis.

At the end of the appointment, your consultant will explain their findings, discuss potential diagnoses, and outline the next steps. This may involve prescribing medication, recommending physiotherapy, or arranging follow-up tests. The focus is always on clear communication and ensuring you feel informed about your options.

What are the common symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes conditions that cause pain and inflammation in your joints. Millions of people suffer from arthritis in the UK, and there are various types that can develop.

Arthritis symptoms vary across conditions. Common symptoms of arthritis generally include:

Pain
Swelling
Stiffness and restricted movement of your affected joint
Weakness in your joint
Warm red skin over your affected joint
Tiredness and a lack of energy
Pain that doesn’t go away with traditional painkillers
Pain that becomes worse at night
Pain that affects many aspects of your daily life, including your job, sex life, and ability to perform everyday tasks

Arthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly occurs in your hands, spine, knees, and hips.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed and managed at Runnymede Hospital?

Your consultant will start by taking a detailed medical history and perform a short physical examination to look for osteoporosis. In order to look for disorders that could lead to bone loss, they might also perform blood and urine tests on you. A doctor will also take into account any risk factors and family history.

Your doctor will likely recommend a bone densitometry or DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan, also known as a bone density test or bone mineral density scan, if they suspect you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it.

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, treatment typically involves using medications to strengthen your bones, and we also focus on treating and preventing fractures. In addition to prescribing medication, your doctor may advise lifestyle modifications. Among these lifestyle adjustments are getting enough exercise and increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Osteoporosis cannot be totally cured, but effective osteoporosis treatment can help safeguard and strengthen your bones. Some therapies can encourage the growth of new bone while others can assist decrease the loss of bone in your body. Your specific situation will determine your treatment, so talk to your rheumatologist about what's best for you.

What are the treatment options for gout at Runnymede Hospital?

Once a diagnosis of gout has been made, tailored gout treatment can be transformative. Treatment can help to:

Soothe an acute attack
Prevent future attacks

Treatment for an acute attack is focused on managing your symptoms, whereas treatment to prevent future attacks is directed at lowering levels of uric acid in the blood.

From medications to diet advice and lifestyle changes, our rheumatologists will develop a tailored plan that supports you both with your immediate symptoms and with long-term management, lowering your risk of gout attacks in future.

How to book a rheumatologist in Surrey

To book your initial consultation with one of our rheumatologists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

Should you like to use your health insurance to see a private Consultant Rheumatologist, please ensure that your insurance company will cover this and any the treatment required, prior to booking an appointment.