man on computer and writing notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions from patients.

For any questions not answered, please use our Contact us page.

General

How can I be seen by HealthHarmonie?

Your condition must be assessed by your GP or Optometrist before we can see you. Your GPor 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.



What services do you provide?

To view all our services, click here



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.



 
 

Appointment

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.



Do I need to bring my regular glasses?

Yes, please bring your regular glasses to your appointment



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.



 

Dermatology

 

Gynaecology

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.



Do I need to bring my regular glasses?

Yes, please bring your regular glasses to your appointment



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.



 

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 get a prescription?

We do provide prescriptions. These will be given to you at your appointment or sent to you by your GP.



What treatment do we provide?

We provide:

  • Minor skin surgery (can be done under local anesthetic)
  • Cryotherapy
  • Phototherapy
  • Patch testing
  • Biopsy



Can I return to work after my appointment?

You should be fine to return to work after your Dermatology appointment



Ophthalmology 

 

Minor Surgery 

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 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.



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



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.



Will I require stiches?

Most of our procedures will require stiches. 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.



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



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.



Do I need to bring my regular glasses?

Yes, please bring your regular glasses to your appointment



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.



 

Does an ultrasound hurt?

It is a painless examination which uses soundwaves to create images of different structure inside the body including organs, blood vessels and soft tissue



Are there any risks?

There are no known risks or harmful effects of having an ultrasound.



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.



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.



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 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



Ultrasound

Can't Find The Right Answer?

Call us on 0121 454 7779 to speak to someone or visit our contact us page