COMMON QUESTIONS
Things you may want to know before your first visit. Can’t find your answer? The clinic team is happy to help.
No — you can book a private consultation directly. Some insurers do require a GP referral before authorizing cover, so it’s worth checking your policy first. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurer to confirm their referral requirements before booking.
We aim to see new patients within 1-2 weeks of your booking. For urgent cases or if you’re in acute pain, contact our team directly and we’ll do our best to arrange a faster appointment. Same-day urgent consultations are sometimes available for emergency cases.
Please bring: your photo ID, private health insurance card (if applicable), any recent imaging (X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound reports), a list of current medications, and any previous medical records related to your condition. If you have imaging on USB or CD, bring that too — this helps Mr Mitra review your condition accurately.
Yes. Mr Mitra leads all consultations and procedures personally. You will see him for your initial consultation, pre-operative assessment, and any follow-up appointments. This ensures consistency in your care and allows Mr Mitra to monitor your progress directly throughout your treatment journey.
You can book online through our website using our booking form, or call our team on 0115 966 2063 during office hours. Online booking is available 24/7 for your convenience. Our team will contact you within 24 hours to confirm your appointment and discuss any pre-appointment requirements.
We work with all major UK private health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, Circle Health, and many others. If you have private health insurance, we can verify your coverage and handle the billing directly with your insurer. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers orthopaedic treatment, we can check this for you before your appointment.
Consultation fees are £300 for an initial consultation. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your condition and whether imaging review is included. If you have private health insurance, your policy may cover this cost in full (check your coverage details). We’ll provide a clear estimate before your appointment.
We handle insurance claims directly on your behalf. Simply provide your insurance details at your appointment, and we’ll submit all claims, invoices and documentation to your insurer. Most procedures and consultations are pre-authorized by your insurer — we handle this process so you don’t have to worry about it.
We welcome self-paying patients. We offer transparent pricing for all consultations and procedures. Payment plans are available for larger procedures — please discuss options with our team. You can also explore private health insurance options, which may offer benefits for future orthopaedic care.
Our fees cover the consultation or procedure itself. Imaging costs (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound) may be additional if they’re not covered by your insurance. Physiotherapy sessions, if recommended, are included as part of the surgical package or can be arranged separately for conservative management. We’ll provide a complete breakdown of all costs before any treatment begins.
No. Many conditions respond excellently to conservative treatment including physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications and activity modification. Mr Mitra always explores non-surgical options first and recommends surgery only when it will significantly improve your condition. The decision is made together based on your diagnosis, preferences and goals.
Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery) uses a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions to treat joint problems. This minimally invasive approach results in less tissue damage, smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery. Many shoulder and elbow problems can be treated arthroscopically.
Surgery duration depends on the procedure complexity and what’s found during the operation. Most arthroscopic procedures take 60-90 minutes, while larger procedures like shoulder replacement typically take 1.5 to 2 hours (90-120 minutes). Mr Mitra will discuss the expected duration during your pre-operative consultation.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your job. Most arthroscopic procedures require 1-4 weeks off work (depending on whether your job is desk-based or physical). Major procedures like joint replacement may require 4-12 weeks. Mr Mitra will discuss realistic timelines for your specific situation during consultation.
All surgery carries some risk — including infection, bleeding, nerve/blood vessel injury, and anaesthetic complications. However, serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Mr Mitra will discuss specific risks for your procedure during your pre-operative consultation, including steps taken to minimize risk. Modern techniques and careful surgical planning greatly reduce complication rates.
Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Most arthroscopic procedures recover within 6-12 weeks, while larger procedures like joint replacement require 3-6 months. Initial healing occurs in 4-6 weeks, but full strength restoration takes longer. Physiotherapy is critical — most patients achieve excellent results by following their rehabilitation programme.
Yes. We arrange follow-up appointments at key recovery milestones (typically 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks post-op). We work with trusted physiotherapy partners to arrange your rehabilitation — physiotherapy is essential for optimal recovery. Mr Mitra coordinates your care throughout your entire recovery journey.
Return to work depends on your job type and the procedure performed. Desk-based work may resume in 1-4 weeks. Physical jobs requiring lifting or heavy use of the affected limb may require 2-6 months. We’ll provide specific guidance based on your occupation and procedure. A phased return (part-time initially) often works well.
Return to sport depends on the sport’s demands and your procedure. Light recreational activities may resume at 6-8 weeks for minor procedures, up to 4-6 months for major surgery. Competitive sport requires higher strength and stability — typically 3-6+ months depending on the sport. Your physiotherapist and Mr Mitra will guide your sport-specific return.
Contact Mr Mitra’s office immediately if you’re concerned about your recovery progress. Recovery rates vary between individuals based on age, overall health, adherence to physiotherapy and other factors. If you’re not progressing, we may need to modify your rehabilitation programme or investigate further. Regular communication with your physiotherapist is key.
Call the clinic on 0115 966 2063 or send a message and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
