Concierge bronchoscopy · London
Private bronchoscopy in London, performed by a respiratory physician.
A thin camera passed into the airways to investigate persistent cough, blood in sputum or an abnormal chest scan — and to biopsy suspicious areas. Performed under sedation with local anaesthetic.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Clear about sedation
Moderate IV sedation with a throat spray - we explain the trade-offs so you can decide.
- 02
High-volume consultants
We route to consultant respiratory physicians working in JAG- or JETS-accredited units.
- 03
We chase the histology
Biopsy and microbiology results take a week or so. We make sure they come back and are explained.
Indicative pricing
What a private bronchoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in our network: £1,500-£2,800, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible bronchoscopy (diagnostic) | £1,500–£2,800 | 20–30 min | 3–7 days |
| Bronchoscopy + biopsies | £1,800–£3,200 | 30–45 min | 5–10 days |
| Bronchoscopy + EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) | £2,500–£4,500 | 45–60 min | 5–10 days |
| Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) | £1,700–£3,000 | 30–45 min | 5–10 days |
| Therapeutic bronchoscopy (foreign body, stenting) | £3,000–£6,000 | 45–90 min | 5–10 days |
| Paediatric bronchoscopy (specialist) | Quoted case by case | Varies | 5–10 days |
Prices vary by unit, the sedation choice, and whether biopsies, washings or EBUS are added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A cough that won’t settle, or blood in the sputum - people wait too long.
Most people put off a bronchoscopy longer than they should. The procedure itself, under sedation with a throat spray, is far easier than the anticipation. We make the booking straightforward and the day itself calm.
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Anxious about the scope?
With moderate sedation most people remember almost nothing. The throat spray does the heavy lifting.
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Waiting for an NHS slot?
For haemoptysis or a suspicious CT, days matter. We can arrange scoping within a week.
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Not sure you need one?
Sometimes a CT, sputum tests or spirometry is the better first step. We will say so.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~3-4 hours at the unit
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, imaging, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which procedure, which unit, indicative price. If a bronchoscopy isn’t the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We explain the fasting rules and review any blood thinners or antiplatelets.
- 04
On the day
Arrival, consent and sedation
You change, meet your consultant, and have a throat spray with moderate IV sedation. A small cannula goes in and oxygen is set up.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
20-30 minutes for a diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy. A thin camera passes through the nose or mouth into the airways. Biopsies and washings are painless.
- 06
On the day
Recovery, then home
About 1-2 hours recovering with oxygen and monitoring. You need someone to take you home. No driving for 24 hours.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
Your consultant explains what they saw on the day. Biopsy and microbiology results follow in 5-10 days, and we make sure they are explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
A bronchoscopy answers questions no other airway test can - and takes biopsies and washings as it goes. These are the reasons people come to us.
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Persistent unexplained cough
When imaging and spirometry haven’t answered why the cough won’t settle.
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Haemoptysis (blood in sputum)
Direct view of the airway to find the bleeding point.
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Suspected lung mass on imaging
Sample lesions seen on CT for a definitive tissue diagnosis.
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Mediastinal lymph nodes (EBUS)
Ultrasound-guided sampling of nodes around the airways.
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Atypical infection (BAL)
Washings sent for TB, fungi and opportunistic organisms.
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Suspected foreign body
Locate and remove inhaled material through the scope.
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Post-treatment surveillance
Check response after treatment for known airway disease.
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When to escalate to A&E
Major haemoptysis or sudden breathlessness - call 999 today.
Procedure types
Not all bronchoscopies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Flexible diagnostic bronchoscopy
A thin flexible camera examines the trachea and main airways, usually under moderate sedation with a throat spray.
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With bronchial biopsies
Small tissue samples taken painlessly from the airway lining and sent for histology.
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With transbronchial biopsies
Biopsies of lung tissue beyond the airway wall, guided by fluoroscopy.
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EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound)
Ultrasound probe on the scope samples mediastinal lymph nodes and central lesions.
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Bronchoalveolar lavage
Sterile saline washed and retrieved from a segment for microbiology and cytology.
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Therapeutic (foreign body, stent, laser)
Foreign material removed, airway stents deployed, or obstructing tissue debulked through the scope.
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Rigid bronchoscopy (specialist / GA)
Performed under general anaesthetic for complex airway work; used selectively.
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Cryobiopsy for ILD (specialist)
Cryoprobe sampling for interstitial lung disease, in selected accredited units.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered
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Performed by consultant respiratory physicians in JAG- or JETS-accredited units
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Sedation delivered by trained team with continuous monitoring
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Samples read by consultant histopathologists and microbiologists in UKAS labs
Safety and eligibility
Very safe - but there is real planning to do.
Bronchoscopy is very safe, but sedation, fasting, and blood-thinning medication all need planning. We coordinate the details.
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Fasting from midnight
Nothing to eat after midnight. Sips of water allowed up to 2 hours before your appointment.
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Moderate sedation
Midazolam and fentanyl are typical. You will feel drowsy and remember little of the procedure.
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Throat spray
A local anaesthetic spray numbs the throat so the scope passes comfortably.
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Oxygen supplementation
Oxygen is given during and after the procedure and your saturations are monitored throughout.
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Driving and work
No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours after sedation. You need someone to take you home.
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Blood thinners
Warfarin, DOACs and clopidogrel often need pausing - individualised to the case. We coordinate this.
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Sore throat and cough
A mild sore throat and a little coughing are common for 24 hours and settle on their own.
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Rare risks
Bleeding, pneumothorax and infection are uncommon - the risk is discussed at consent.
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Pregnancy
Bronchoscopy is usually deferred in pregnancy unless essential. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
Reading your report
A bronchoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline on the day - the biopsy detail takes a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, what was examined, and the symptoms or imaging finding behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the procedure was done
Which scope was used, the sedation given, and the samples taken - biopsies, washings or brushings.
- 03 Findings
What the bronchoscopist saw
The upper airway, trachea, and main and segmental bronchi described in turn, with any inflammation, narrowing, secretions or lesion recorded.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion and biopsy pathway - read this first. Histology and microbiology follow separately in 5-10 days.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover bronchoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about bronchoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, sedation, biopsies, safety and results.
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What does a bronchoscopy actually show?
It gives a direct view of the trachea and the main and segmental bronchi. It is the definitive test for investigating persistent unexplained cough, blood in the sputum, an abnormal shadow on a chest scan, atypical airway infection and suspected inhaled foreign body. Biopsies and washings can be taken as it goes.
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How much does a private bronchoscopy cost in London?
A diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy is typically £1,500-£2,800 in our network. Adding biopsies takes it to around £1,800-£3,200, and adding EBUS is £2,500-£4,500. Therapeutic work is £3,000-£6,000. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
A bronchoscopy is arranged with a short respiratory consultation first, so the right procedure is chosen and your medication is reviewed. We can arrange that consultation quickly - no GP letter needed to get started.
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Sedation or general anaesthetic?
Most flexible bronchoscopies are done under moderate IV sedation with a throat spray - you are drowsy but breathing on your own. Rigid bronchoscopy and some complex therapeutic work need a general anaesthetic. Your consultant will recommend which is right for your case.
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How long does the whole appointment take?
The procedure itself is 20-30 minutes for a diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy. With check-in, consent, sedation and recovery on oxygen, allow 3-4 hours at the unit.
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When is EBUS added?
EBUS is added when imaging shows enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes or a lesion close to the airway that needs sampling for a tissue diagnosis - most often to stage a suspected lung cancer or to investigate sarcoidosis and TB.
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How long do results take?
The bronchoscopist usually explains findings on the day. Biopsy histology, cytology and microbiology results follow separately, typically in 5-10 days, and we make sure they are explained.
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Do insurers cover it?
Most major insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, Healix) cover bronchoscopy when clinically indicated. We confirm cover and secure pre-authorisation before booking.
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Driving and work after?
No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours after sedation. Most people are back to normal the next day, with a mild sore throat and a little coughing for a day or so.
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When should I call 999 instead?
Major haemoptysis (coughing up more than a teaspoon of blood), sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, or fever with rigors after a recent bronchoscopy need emergency assessment today - call 999 or go to A&E. We can arrange follow-up private care afterwards.
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CT scan
The chest imaging that most bronchoscopies follow up.
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