"Cancelled rheumatology appointment"

I have severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, autoimmune conditions and increasing overall joint pain, so I discussed getting expert advice from highly recommended Rheumatologists with my GP. My GP recommended and referred me to a specialist. This specialist's consulting rooms triaged my referral as low priority and provided me with an appointment on an 8-month waiting list, which I accepted.

Two weeks prior to my appointment I arranged early tests (bloods, x-rays, Dexa), with out-of-pocket expenses, to get the most out of my upcoming appointment. The specialist received these tests and responded by cancelling my appointment because I had been 'reviewed by another Rheumatologist' and due to their waiting lists!

The specialist sent correspondence saying this rule was in their Policy, however, my GP was unaware, I can not see any reference to this on their Patient or Doctor website/portal, nor was it stated when they called me to provide an appointment 8 months ago (at which time my referral showed I had previously seen a Rheumatologist!).  Why did they not tell me or my GP back then?

While I appreciate the specialist stating, I recall, limiting booking to those who have not had the opportunity to be seen by a Rheumatologist previously, I had already waited as a ‘low priority’ patient for 8 months to see them with serious conditions. I think it is unacceptable to expect someone to wait 8 months with pain and not try to get help elsewhere.

Their decision to cancel the appointment (which was previously available for me), I believe, removed my rights as a patient to seek Specialist reviews and take all steps necessary to improve my own health. This has made me angry, frustrated and disgusted, that Private Dr’s can seemingly choose their patients for optimum profit, but a patient can not apparently choose their Dr’s for optimal care!

I think this is unacceptable and an embarrassment to WA Health, however, it appears Private Health lacks adequate governance for patient rights.