If you are living with a painful hip or knee, booking a first appointment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon can feel like a big step.
- What will happen?
- Will you be pushed towards surgery?
- And what will it cost?
The good news is that an initial orthopaedic consultation is simply about getting clarity. Below, we explain exactly what’s included, what it costs, and why so many people across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall choose to go private for that first conversation.
Your Initial Orthopaedic Consultation At a Glance
- Cost: £250 for your initial consultation
- Length: typically 20 to 30 minutes with Mr Stitson
- Where: Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth
Referral: If you are paying for yourself, you can self-refer so you won’t necessarily need to see your GP first.
“An initial orthopaedic consultation is simply about getting clarity and understanding exactly what’s included, what it costs, and why so many people choose to go private.”
What is included in your initial orthopaedic consultation?
Your initial orthopaedic consultation costs £250 and gives you dedicated, one-to-one time with consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr David Stitson. Most appointments last between 20 and 30 minutes, and include:
1. A detailed conversation about you
Mr Stitson will talk through your symptoms – when they started, what makes them worse and what eases them – along with your medical history, lifestyle and goals. That last part matters. Two people with very similar conditions can want very different things, whether that’s walking the coast path without pain, keeping up with the grandchildren, playing golf or tennis or simply getting a decent night’s sleep.
2. A physical examination
Next comes a hands-on assessment of the affected joint, looking at your movement, stability, the way you walk (your gait) and what triggers your pain.
3. A review of your imaging
If you already have X-rays, scans or clinic letters, bring them along and Mr Stitson will review them. If further investigations would help, he will arrange them.
4. A clear diagnosis and your options, explained
You will receive a straightforward explanation of what is going on in your joint and what treatment options are open to you – in plain English and without jargon.
5. Time to ask questions
You won’t be rushed out of the door. You willl leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis, your options, the likely outcomes and your next steps – and time to think about your decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Does an initial consultation mean you’ll need surgery?
Not at all. A consultation gives you clarity, even if surgery isn’t the answer. Depending on what Mr Stitson finds, the outcome could be:
- Reassurance and advice, if surgery isn’t needed
- A non-surgical treatment plan, such as physiotherapy, injections or pain management
- Further investigations, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound or blood tests
- A discussion of surgical options as a possible next step
If surgery is appropriate, Mr Stitson will explain what is involved, the benefits and alternatives, the expected recovery timeline and the risks and how they are reduced – so you can make a confident, informed decision in your own time. You can read more about each stage of the journey in our step-by-step guide from consultation to recovery.
How to prepare for your appointment
A little preparation helps you get the most from your 30 minutes:
- Gather your paperwork: recent scans, X-rays, clinic letters and a list of your current medications
- Keep a symptom journal: when your symptoms started, how bad the pain is, what makes it worse and what helps
- Write down your questions, for example: “What are the realistic outcomes for me?” and “How long before I can drive, work or exercise?”
- Check your insurance: if you have private medical insurance, the team will let you know what details are required when you book
What does it cost – and what’s extra?
Mr Stitson believes in being upfront about costs, so here’s the full picture:
What | Cost |
Initial consultation with Mr Stitson | £250 |
Follow-up consultation | £150 |
Blood tests and imaging (X-ray, MRI or CT scan) | Billed separately by the Nuffield Hospital, either to you or to your private medical insurer |
Payment is taken in full before any service is provided, subject to terms and conditions. If surgery is later recommended, you will be given a clear quote in advance – the price you are quoted before treatment is the price you pay.
You can see the full list on our orthopaedic surgery prices page.
Why going private is a great idea
The NHS provides excellent care and private treatment isn’t the right choice for everyone, but if you are living with hip or knee pain and would rather not wait to find out what is causing it, a private consultation offers some definite advantages.
Faster access to a specialist
If you are paying for your own treatment, you can self-refer to see Mr Stitson directly. That means no waiting for a GP appointment first and a smoother, quicker route to an answer. Booking your appointment typically takes about a week.
More time, and a consultant who knows your case
A 30 minute appointment gives you space to explain your symptoms properly and ask everything you want to. And the surgeon you meet at your consultation is the surgeon who will carry out your procedure, should you need one.
Clear, upfront pricing
Mr Stitson’s published surgical prices cover the procedure itself, your anaesthetic, your hospital stay and your aftercare. There are no surprises, which makes planning far easier.
Flexible ways to pay
If surgery is recommended, you can spread the cost through Chrysalis Finance and the Nuffield Hospital, with 6, 10 or 12 interest-free monthly instalments (representative 0% APR), or longer-term options at 14.9% APR. Finance is subject to status and terms.
Everything in one place
Your consultation, any investigations and your surgery are all organised through the Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, so your care remains joined up from your first appointment to your recovery.
Put simply, a private consultation is a low-commitment first step: one appointment, one fee and a clear plan.
When to seek specialist advice
Consider booking a consultation if:
- Hip or knee pain is making walking, stairs, sleep or everyday activities difficult
- Your joint is stiff, swollen or has started to lock or give way
- Rest, pain relief or physiotherapy haven’t improved things
- You have been told you have arthritis and want to understand your options
- You have had a previous joint replacement that is causing problems
Seek urgent medical help (call 111 or go to A&E) if you have sudden, severe joint pain, can’t put weight on your leg after an injury or have a hot, red, swollen joint with a fever.
Private Orthopaedic care for the South West
Whether you live in Plymouth itself or are travelling from elsewhere in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset – from Torquay and Exeter to Truro and Taunton – Mr Stitson’s consultations at the Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital offer a convenient base for expert hip and knee care, close to home.
Take the first step
If hip or knee pain is holding you back, a consultation with Mr Stitson could give you the answers you have been waiting for – and a plan to get you back to the activities you love.
Book your initial consultation
- Call: 01752 761818
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Online: Book a consultation with Mr Stitson
- Where: Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG
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The Nuffield Plymouth CQC Rating
The Nuffield Hospital has a history that spans over half a century and has built a reputation for high standards of care, professionalism and expertise in delivering health services. They aim for continuous quality improvement in everything they do.
Active Quality and Governance programmes are in place at the Nuffield Hospital Plymouth. As part of this, the hospital is inspected by independent healthcare regulators to ensure it meets the fundamental standards of quality and safety as determined by the regulating body (CQC).
In the most recent inspection, Plymouth Nuffield Hospital was rated as ‘Good’ overall, however, the surgical element of the inspection was rated as ‘Outstanding’. The hospital was referred to as:
“Outstanding in effective and caring, and
Good in safe, responsive and well-led.”
