Health Screening
After specialist treatment: checking that it is working
Written by Mr Stephen LingamReviewed by Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar (GMC 4694470) on
A few months after starting treatment, most people ask the same question: is it working? We can answer it with you. After specialist treatment, we can repeat your screening, or run the specific investigations that show whether things are improving, with a doctor who already knows your history and your earlier results.
How it fits together
| Stage | What happens | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Screening | Examination, bloods, ECG and any scans set your baseline | The doctor who examines you |
| Referral | We refer you directly to the right specialist, with no referral fee | Your doctor, with a consultant they know |
| Treatment | The specialist agrees a plan with you and writes back to us | The specialist |
| Recheck | The tests that show progress, compared with your baseline | Your doctor, keeping in touch with the specialist |
Because we did your original screening, we have the baseline, and because we referred you, we have the specialist's letter. A new result is read against all of that. Two results measured the same way, by the same team, show which way you are going, and that trend is usually what matters most.
"Once you've been treated, the real question is whether it's working. I like to repeat the same test the same way, so we're comparing like with like."
Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar, Clinical Lead
Why a test gets repeated
- To see whether treatment is working, for example a cholesterol level after a statin is started.
- To confirm a borderline result before acting on it, because one reading can be thrown by a recent illness, a heavy meal or a hard workout.
- To keep watch on something that needs no treatment yet, such as a small cyst your specialist wants to see again.
- Because a sample could not be analysed, which happens occasionally and simply means taking another.
Typical timings
Your specialist or our doctor sets the timing for you, because it depends on the condition and the treatment. As a guide, these are the intervals used in UK practice.
| After | Recheck | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a statin or other cholesterol treatment | Lipid profile | About 2 to 3 months, as NICE recommends, then yearly |
| A change in treatment for blood sugar | HbA1c | Every 3 to 6 months until stable, as NICE recommends |
| Starting or changing thyroid medicine | Thyroid function (TSH) | About every 3 months until the level settles |
| Cutting down alcohol, losing weight or changing a medicine | Liver function | Usually after a few months, at your doctor's advice |
| A finding your specialist wants to watch | Repeat ultrasound or MRI | The interval your specialist sets |
| Everything settled | A full repeat Health MOT | Many patients repeat yearly |
What it costs
Follow-up is included in every tier. On Advanced, Elite and Ultimate you also have four GP consultations over 12 months, shareable with immediate family, which can be used to talk through a recheck. Tests outside your package are priced before they are done, so you know the cost before you agree to anything.
Read how we choose your specialist for how referrals work, and how often to have a full body MOT for repeat screening in general.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have the recheck by video?
The blood test or scan has to be done in person, but the conversation about the result can be by video or telephone.
What if the recheck shows treatment is not working?
We go back to the specialist with the new result, and they adjust the plan. Because we have stayed in touch with them, that usually moves quickly.
Can a family member use my GP consultations for their own recheck?
On Advanced, Elite and Ultimate, the four GP consultations over 12 months are shareable with immediate family.
Sources
- NICE. Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification (NG238)
- NICE. Type 2 diabetes in adults: management (NG28)
- NICE. Thyroid disease: assessment and management (NG145)
- The Health Screening Clinic. Health MOTs
- The Health Screening Clinic. Consultants
Related screening
Stephen Lingam
Managing Director
Managing Director of Medical Express Clinic and the Health Screening Clinic since 1984. Over 40 years of operational experience in private healthcare on Harley Street, overseeing patient care, clinical standards, and service delivery.
Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar
MD, PhD, LRCP, MSc, DHMSA
Clinical Lead
GMC: 4694470
Leading our clinical team with a focus on comprehensive men's health and preventative oncology protocols.
Last reviewed: 06/10/2026