Oncology referral

My wife went through cancer treatment in 2019. She has DKV (private) health insurance.

She saw her GP on the morning of 4th Feb. She had a mammogram and ultrasound that afternoon.

We took the results to the GP on Feb 5th, who immediately arranged a biopsy (which took place 2 days later).

It takes around 2 weeks to process biopsy results. On receipt of the results, we went back to the GP, who arranged for my wife to see an oncologist the following day.

The oncologist requested a series of tests/scans, and a consultation with a surgeon. This all took around 2 weeks. The decision was made to go with chemotherapy first (then surgery, followed by radiotherapy).

Chemotherapy started in mid-March. So around 6 weeks after the first appointment.

Note - this was DKV (and the treatment was carried out mostly at the Murcia Quiron). The Spanish NHS may operate differently. With the current Covid pandemic, I'm not sure how the timescale might be impacted. 

Have you got your TIE yet? I know in December you were waiting for it. Once you have that you need to register with Health Centre. Once in the system  it used to be fairly quick.  However Covid has muddied the water.  I remember you last saw a consultant  in September. Maybe contact DKV and find out how much to see a consultant privately. They are very helpful at DKV.

Be aware that Los Arcos hospital is currently only permitting the patient - with an appointment - to enter the building. This does mean that you need a fair standard of Spanish and cannot take an interpreter.

The original poster lives on Camposol so I would not think Los Arcos hospital would be a problem to her, people from here are normaly refered to Cartagena or Murcia city hospitals.

Also at Los Arcos the receptionists and most doctors speak English, they were also offering translators from reception if needed and I would assume that they would continue with this service during the crisis,

"Also at Los Arcos the receptionists and most doctors speak English, they were also offering translators from reception if needed and I would assume that they would continue with this service during the crisis,"

I have never seen or been offered an interpretor at Los Arcos. Some of the doctors and nurses have a degree of English but by no means all, and many will not use it as they can be held responsible if they have mis-translated something and their insurance would not cover them. Having said that, I have always managed.

Been thinking about this. Contact Debbie Shaw  she is a translator who deals closely with the clinic, and also is up to speed with TIE etc etc. She is also VERY helpful. I am sure she will be able to give you accurate advice, and her knowledge  will be able to supp.y your answers.

I have never had to use the translation service that is offered but I am aware of people that have.

I believe you go to the relevant desk with your appointment document and ask for a translator, often you are advised that it is not necessary as the doctor speaks english.

Possible during the crisis this is service is not available however that was not the main point of my post, it was simply that Los Arcos was not in the OP area.

Thank you everyone who very kindly reied. I have contacted the cancer charity and they have taken it in hand.