Physio delays show benefit of health insurance
14 January 2010 10:30:22
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| Health insurance can help patients avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists. |
Researchers obtained information from 123 primary care trusts (PCTs) under the Freedom of Information Act, nine of which reported delays in excess of 18 weeks.
Over one-quarter of PCTs have waiting times of over three months, while just five offer physiotherapy in less than two weeks.
The figures are cause for concern, as evidence shows that people with long-term musculoskeletal problems face an increased risk of mental ill-health and prolonged absence from work.
Sue Hayward-Giles, assistant director of practice and development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, told Health Insurance magazine that some patients "will find a private or independent provider" when faced with long NHS waits.
However, for those who do not have health insurance and cannot afford to pay for private care, the problem may become more acute or chronic and could take longer to resolve.
Figures suggest that four-fifths of adults will experience back pain during their lifetime and £565m is spent each year on the problem in the private healthcare sector alone.
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