FAQS

  Referrals are welcomed from other healthcare professionals such as your GP, physiotherapist or other specialist.  

Appointments can be made by calling Mr Naqui’s secretary or via the Contact page.

Mr Naqui consults at a number of hospitals in the North West. You may find one location that suits you best, see Hospitals page.

Patients are usually seen within 7 days. Emergency consultations for acute injuries and sports professionals may be seen the same day at an additional cost.

Please bring your referral letter, if this has not been sent directly. Please also bring with you details of your insurance policy and authorisation codes.

The consultation is tailored to your condition. Usually there is plenty of time to allow for a thorough history, examination and comprehensive discussion of the management options. In general new patient consultations last 20-30 minutes, follow-up consultations last 10-15 minutes. If more time is required, Mr Naqui will endeavour to allow for this.

Mr Naqui is recognised as a provider by all the leading insurance companies. The costs of consultations sit within the guidelines and are usually covered by your insurer. In a few cases there may be an ‘excess’ that your policy requires you to pay. Please Contact the secretary for any further assistance.

Often, further imaging (X-ray/scan) may be required to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are usually performed on the day and covered by your policy. Scans such as CT (computed tomography), US (ultrasound) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are specialised and may require you to re-attend. Mr Naqui will request this for you. You will often need an authorisation code from your insurer.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to image soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. A probe that emits sound waves is applied to your hand with some coupling jelly and an image is displayed in real time on a greyscale monitor. Ultrasound is a very safe technique and can provide important information on the integrity of the soft tissues as well as identify changes in blood flow and the presence of any fluid around joints.

Computed tomography (CT) uses x-rays to provide cross-sectional images. In particular, it can provide highly detailed assessment of the bones. As a patient you will lie still within the “donut” ring scanner, whilst it rotates around your arm to construct images. The scan usually lasts a few minutes.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses the magnetic properties of water in your body to provide images. Radiowaves, which are highly safe, are used to construct the images. MRI provides highly detailed information about the soft tissues such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint surfaces. The imaging parameters can be modified to provide optimal images depending upon the clinical problem you may be suffering with. The MRI scanner itself is shaped like a tunnel. Usually, you will be required to place your arm within the scanner and remain very still whilst the scan is performed. Sometimes the scans can last up to an hour but will depend upon the reason for the scan. It may be necessary to give you an injection of contrast before the scan to give better images. There may be reasons why you are unsuitable to receive contrast, which will be discussed with you on the day. Additionally some patients are unable to have MRI scans since they are claustrophobic or they have metallic implants such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, brain aneurysm clips or shrapnel. Before having the scan these aspects will be checked with you in the form of a questionnaire.

If you suffer from nerve entrapment such as Carpal or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, you will usually need a nerve conduction study. Mr Naqui will request this for you. You will often need an authorisation code.

All the options available to you for your condition will be fully discussed. This may include a recommendation for surgery with an explanation of the technique, the benefits and risks involved. If you wish to go ahead for surgery, a date will be offered in the clinic or by Mr Naqui’s secretary.

Consent is the formal process undertaken to ensure that the decision for surgery has been allowed sufficient time and discussion between patient and surgeon. This includes a discussion of all other options available, the steps in the procedure offered, the benefits and the risks. Mr Naqui will ensure sufficient time and discussion is offered before undertaking surgery. A copy of the consent process will be given to you and one copy retained for your records.

Surgery is planned around you. Depending on the nature of your surgery this could be anything from 7 days onwards.

Each operation or procedure has a unique OPCS code. For example, the OPCS code for a wrist arthroscopy procedure is W8602. You will need to inform your insurer of this code to obtain authorisation. Mr Naqui will provide you with this code.