Is It Worth Seeing a Private Cardiologist?

For many patients, seeing a private cardiologist is worth it primarily because of speed. In July 2026 the typical NHS wait in England from referral to the start of treatment was 12 weeks, about a third of patients were waiting beyond 18 weeks, and local waits vary widely from trust to trust, with tests such as an echocardiogram adding further weeks on top (NHS England, published 10 September 2026). Private appointments are typically available within 7 days, and a same-day echocardiogram is available through the one-stop clinic.

The NHS remains the right long-term pathway for managing established heart conditions, but the gap between symptoms and diagnosis is where private care makes the most practical difference.

What the Wait Actually Looks Like

NHS cardiology waiting times have lengthened significantly over the past few years, and they vary enormously by trust. NHS England's July 2026 referral-to-treatment figures put the typical wait across all specialties at 12 weeks nationally, with 35% of patients waiting beyond 18 weeks. Locally the picture can be very different: some trusts see new cardiology patients within about a month, while others take four months or more. Your own hospital's current figures are on the NHS My Planned Care site linked below. Waits are published for each trust separately, so if you have been referred within the Humber Health Partnership you need to look up either Hull University Teaching Hospitals or Northern Lincolnshire and Goole, whichever holds your referral. Tests such as an echocardiogram add further weeks: in July 2026, 28.5% of patients on the NHS echocardiography waiting list had been waiting six weeks or more.

That means the time from noticing a symptom to receiving a diagnosis can run to many months, and the first appointment is not the finish line.

Sources: NHS My Planned Care; NHS England referral-to-treatment statistics, July 2026; NHS England diagnostic waiting times, July 2026.

What Private Cardiology Offers

Private cardiology doesn't solve the underlying system problem. But it does offer a different pathway for people who can't, or don't want to, wait.

The practical differences are significant:

• A first appointment is usually available within 7 days
• A same-day echocardiogram is available if you book the one-stop clinic
• You see the same consultant each time
• Results are discussed with you before you leave

Whether that matters depends on your clinical situation, your level of concern, and whether waiting is manageable.

When the Wait Is Fine

Not every cardiac referral needs to be seen urgently. If your GP has reviewed your symptoms, your ECG is normal, and your condition appears stable, waiting on the NHS list is entirely appropriate.

The NHS also remains the right pathway for:

• Emergency or urgent symptoms: if you are actively unwell, have worsened rapidly, or think something bad is happening, call 999, not private outpatients
• Ongoing management of known, stable conditions already under NHS cardiology
• Situations where cost makes private care inaccessible

When the Wait Becomes the Problem

The harder question is what happens when waiting generates real uncertainty, anxiety or delays important life choices or events?

Symptoms like palpitations, breathlessness, a heart murmur, or unexplained chest tightness can be highly anxiety-provoking when left unexplained. For some patients, that uncertainty has a direct effect on how they work, exercise, or travel.

In those situations, a rapid private assessment can matter beyond just the speed.

What Does It Cost?

A private cardiology consultation with Dr Balerdi costs from £165. An echocardiogram is from £350. A one-stop consultation plus echocardiogram is from £515. Prices vary slightly by clinic because each provider sets its own facility fee. The full price list is on the services and prices page.

Many patients fund this through private medical insurance. Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, and Cigna all cover cardiology. A GP referral letter is usually required to activate cover.

Using Both Systems Together

Seeing a private cardiologist does not affect your NHS care or your place on any waiting list. Many patients choose a private initial assessment for a quicker diagnosis, then return to NHS care for ongoing management.

If something important is found privately, and the tests or treatment needed are beyond your budget or your insurance policy's cover, Dr Balerdi can refer you into the correct NHS pathway.

About This Service

Dr Matthew Balerdi is a Consultant Imaging Cardiologist offering private appointments across Hull, Scunthorpe, and Grimsby. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. A same-day echocardiogram is available through the one-stop clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does seeing a private cardiologist affect my NHS care?

No. Seeing a private cardiologist does not affect your NHS position or your place on any waiting list. According to Dr. Matt Balerdi, Consultant Cardiologist, many patients use private care for initial assessment and then return to the NHS for ongoing management.

How long is the wait for a private cardiologist?

A first appointment with Dr. Balerdi is typically available within 7 days. A same-day echocardiogram is available if you book the one-stop clinic, with results discussed before you leave.

What does a private cardiology appointment cost?

A private consultation with Dr Balerdi costs from £165 and an echocardiogram from £350; a one-stop consultation plus echocardiogram is from £515. Many patients fund this through private medical insurance, which typically covers cardiology.

When should I go to A&E instead?

If you are actively unwell, have worsened rapidly, or think something bad is happening, call 999 immediately and do not wait for an outpatient appointment, private or NHS. Sudden onset or worsening chest pain, breathlessness, or collapse with loss of consciousness often need urgent care.

Written by Dr Matthew Balerdi FRCP, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist. GMC: 6077164. Last reviewed: September 2026.