Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most common questions from patients.
For any questions not answered, please use our Contact us page.
Are there any risks?
There are no known risks or harmful effects of having an ultrasound.
Can I attend when I have my period?
For Gynaecology related treatments or pelvic ultrasound scans you can attend while on your period. We understand you may not be comfortable with this and if you want to change your appointment, please call our team: 0121 454 7779
For some procedures we cannot do when you are on your period, this will be discussed at your appointment.
Can I bring my child?
We don’t advise you bring your child, unless they are able to sit still for the entirety of your appointment.
Can I bring someone in with me to my appointments?
Currently you are only able to bring someone with into your appointment if they are advocating for you.
Can I drive to my appointment?
We do not advise you drive yourself to your appointment as you may have dilating eyedrops which can affect your vision for a few hours.
Can I drive to my appointment?
We don’t advise you drive if you are being treated for:
Dermatology- on the upper body or face
Ophthalmology- glaucoma as your eyes will get dilated
Minor Surgery- Minor Surgery requires local anaesthetics; therefore you will not be able to drive yourself after your surgery
If you are unsure, please ring us on 0121 454 7779
Can I have an ultrasound while pregnant?
Yes, ultrasound scans are used to monitor pregnancies and there is no evidence that it will cause any harm.
Can I return to work after my appointment?
You should be fine to return to work after your Dermatology appointment
Can I return to work after my appointment?
Yes you should be fine to return to work after your appointment.
Can I return to work after my appointment?
Dependent on how you feel you may wish to have sometime off work especially is you have a physical job
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment
You’ll receive a confirmation email which will tell you anything you need to bring with you.
Do I need to bring my regular glasses?
Yes, please bring your regular glasses to your appointment
Do I need to prepare before my appointment?
Depending on your examination, you may be asked to either:
Fast- to not eat or drink anything up to 4 hours before your scan
Attend with a full bladder (drink plenty of water)
Any preparations needed will be in your appointment letter. You may wish to wear loose-fitting clothing as dependent on the area being scan, you may be asked to remove clothing.
Does an ultrasound hurt?
It is a painless examination which uses sound waves to create images of different structure inside the body including organs, blood vessels and soft tissue
Does the procedure hurt?
Most of our minor surgical procedures are performed using local anaesthetic. This is an injection that is given at the site of the procedure. The injection may sting at first, but this will ease, and all you will feel is a sensation of pressure.
If at any point you feel pain, tell your surgeon straight away.
How can I be seen by HealthHarmonie?
Your condition must be assessed by your GP or Optometrist before we can see you. Your GP or Optometrist may refer you to us if we’re commissioned to treat your condition within your local area. You can ask for further advice at your initial GP appointment.
How do I change my appointment?
Please give us a call to change or cancel your appointment.
Call our team on 0121 454 7779
How long does local anaesthetic last for?
Local anaesthetic usually lasts a few hours. Once it starts to wear off, your wound may begin to feel uncomfortable or slightly painful. We recommend over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol.
How long will my appointment be?
The length of your appointment will depend on the condition to be assessed and the procedure to be undertaken. The majority of assessments and procedures will take between 15-30 minutes to complete.
How should I take care of my wound?
After your operation, the nurse will dress your wound. The dressing should be left on for at least 24 hours (or longer if specified by your nurse). Keep the wound clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
How will we contact you?
Once your referral has been received you will receive a letter from HealthHarmonie. You may contact HealthHarmonie to arrange an appointment. However HealthHarmonie will contact you directly to arrange your appointment within four working days of us receiving your referral. You will receive a letter confirming your appointment and an SMS reminder the day before your appointment.
I missed my appointment- What should I do?
If this is your first missed appointment, one of our team will call you to schedule a new appointment. If you fail to attend two appointments, you will be referred back to your GP.
What services do you provide?
To view all our services, click here
What treatment do we provide?
We provide:
- Minor skin surgery (can be done under local anesthetic)
- Cryotherapy
- Phototherapy
- Patch testing
- Biopsy
What will happen once my appointment has taken place?
Following your appointment, an outcome report and care plan will be issued to your referring GP within 48 hours. If your appointment was urgent, this will take place within 24 hours.
If your clinician has advised you need a follow up appointment, One of our booking team will contact you to schedule the appointment.
Will I get a prescription?
We do provide prescriptions. These will be given to you at your appointment or sent to you by your GP.
Will I have treatment at my first appointment?
Where possible we try to provide treatment within the first appointment. If this is not possible it may be the second appointment where treatment is given.
Will I need more than one appointment?
Sometimes we ask patients for a follow up scan in 46 weeks. You’ll be advised about this at your appointment and we will contact you to book this appointment
Will I receive a diagnosis during my appointment?
No, our team will write a report of your finding which will be sent to your GP within 48 hours of your appointment and you’ll be advised to contact your GP about your results
Will I require stitches?
Most of our procedures will require stitches. We use dissolvable or removable ones. You will receive information at your appointment about which stiches you will recieve and how they should be removed.
Will I test my eyesight at the appointment?
We do vision testing; this is not the same as a detailed eye test. You should still attend regular eye testing even if you are still under our care.
Will it leave a scar?
All minor Surgery will leave a small scar. Our surgeons will do their best to keep the scarring to a minimal, however, scarring will vary from person to person. If you are concerned about this, please speak to your surgeon and they can provide further information
Will my appointment be painful?
Depending on your procedure or examination, you may have some discomfort, but it should not be painful. If you do experience pain, please inform your consultant
Can't find the right answer?
Call us or visit our contact us page0121 454 7779
health.harmonie@nhs.net
