Interventional Radiology
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology is a medical speciality that uses the various imaging and scanning facilities available to offer a range of minimally invasive procedures which in many cases can replace conventional open surgery. Most of the procedures are done under local anaesthetic and can be done either as day case procedures or require only a very short hospital stay with rapid return to normal activities.
Advances in diagnostic imaging allowed the development of Interventional Radiology as a speciality from the mid 1970s. Advances in scanning and medical device technologies over recent years have seen a huge increase in the scope and ability of Interventional Radiology to treat a wide variety of conditions. These range from angioplasty and stenting of narrowed arteries to treating tumours by embolisation or blocking the blood supply. The speciality is at the cutting edge of application of new technologies to treat disease conditions that in the past may have required major surgical procedures with prolonged recovery times.
Interventional Radiology for Peripheral Vascular Disease
Radiology has much to offer in the detection of peripheral vascular disease and interventional radiology offers many minimally invasive treatments that may avoid the need for by-pass surgery. The leg arteries can be scanned quickly and easily in an out-patient setting using doppler ultrasound scanning. In certain cases a CT scan or MRI scan may be necessary, particularly if intervention is planned.
Arterial narrowings detected on scanning can be widened up by a procedure called angioplasty when a balloon is passed over a guidewire under x-ray guidance and local anaesthetic through the narrowing. The balloon is then inflated and blood flow to the limb restored. Even complete blockages or occlusions can be re-opened. In certain cases the artery may recoil or narrow down again following angioplasty and in these cases the interventional radiologist can place a stent, a small metallic tube that is deployed under x-ray guidance and stays in place permanently to hold the artery open. All of these procedures are performed via a tiny needle puncture in the groin or the arm under local anaesthetic. In many cases the patient does home the same day.
For more information or to make an appointment, please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502.
Private Medical Insurance
Dr. Crowe is recognised by all the major private health insurance providers. To avail of your private insurance cover it is essential to contact your insurer in advance and obtain the necessary pre-authorisation for treatment. Dr. Crowe’s office can provide his provider number for the insurance company concerned as well as the procedure codes for the proposed treatment. Having this information before contacting your insurer speeds up the process of getting pre-authorisation.
While Dr. Crowe’s professional fees are within the insurance companies’ published guideline ranges the level of cover will depend on the conditions of your individual policy or that provided by your employer and cover should always be checked in advance. Some policies may stipulate an excess to be paid by the policy holder and this may be invoiced to you directly. There may be annual limits on cover, limits on out-patient cover or restricted cover for pre-existing conditions. Certain policies may also limit the choice of hospitals where treatment can be provided and this is particularly the case when considering treatment in central London. Insurers may stipulate that you must be referred to Dr. Crowe by your general practitioner or specialist but some allow self-referral or provide their own online GP service.
Self pay
It is not necessary to have private health insurance to avail of private medical care. More and more people are choosing to self-fund private treatment and are finding costs are often less than they had anticipated. Private medical care offers prompt and efficient diagnosis and treatment with your choice of consultant, at a time that suits you, in a clean and pleasant hospital environment.
Upon request price quotes can be obtained for the various treatments offered by Dr. Crowe. Having an initial consultation and scan does not commit you to proceeding with treatment and for more expensive high tech procedures the individual private hospitals can often offer a range of payment options. Although Dr. Crowe’s professional fees are standard regardless of treatment site the total costs are usually lower in Birmingham, reflecting higher hospital and clinic charges in central London.
For diagnostic scans Dr. Crowe can offer ultrasound, CT and MRI scanning at very reasonable self-fund rates that also vary from one private hospital to another. Plain X-Rays required for immigration and pre-employment health screening purposes can also be arranged.
Overseas Patients
Dr. Crowe is happy to take overseas referrals and can offer telephone and online consultations. Scans performed in your home country can be reviewed and he can liaise with your local doctors before you travel. Advice can be given on travel and follow up arrangements.
The private hospitals where Dr. Crowe practices can quote all in prices for treatment and assist with booking and arrangements prior to travel.
Dr. Crowe is recognised by many international and expatriate health insurance providers. In other cases the private hospitals may have agreements with international insurers and can facilitate treatment planning by liaising directly with the insurer for price quotes and invoicing.
Dr Crowe is based in London and Birmingham. Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is situated approximately 100 miles (160Km) north of London. There are excellent road and rail links and Birmingham International Airport provides direct flights to most European destinations as well as direct links to American, Asian and Middle Eastern cites.