This site should be of primary interest to all those concerned
about the changes occurring in private practice and the trend towards
insurance company led "managed care". It is also a site for news about all healthcare issues (NHS and
Private) with links to London independent hospitals, a registry
of consultants and a forum for interchange of views.
General Meeting for Consultants - “What do Insurers want from the Profession – Cut Price or Quality?”... This meeting will took place, following the LCA Annual General Meeting, at The King’s Fund, Cavendish Square, London, W1 on Wednesday, 4th June 2008.. more information
“How to get the best out of your consultant”... A report from the last medical secretaries meeting, which took place on Thursday 19th June, is now available... more information
“Protecting Consultants’ Reputation”... A general meeting took place on 24th October 2007. Speakers at this meeting included legal, PR and defence union experts... read a brief report from this meeting
Healthcare Commission - New regulatory Fees and Consultation over the future of Independent Healthcare -
April 2008... The Healthcare Commission has written to us about their new charges and has also invited comments about the future regulation of the independent sector. Please go to the members’ area for a recent update and briefing.
“BUPA and AXA/PPP Networks in Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics - Updated News April 2008”... The AXA/PPP ophthalmic network is floundering in the London as very few small hospitals are currently recognised and all major independents, including Moorfields’ private wing, are not recognised. This has caused considerable distress to patients and consultants alike. It is hoped that AXA/PPP will soon be negotiating further packages with hospitals, but, at the moment, there has been no direct approach to consultants.
The BUPA network for ophthalmology has largely folded, but BUPA are now approaching groups of orthopaedic surgeons to try and set up local arrangements with specific care plans. Details of this are unclear”. For more detailed in formation please click here...
“BUPA Insurance Purchases the Cromwell Hospital - March 2008”... Last year, BUPA insurance divested itself of all its hospitals, which have now changed their name to Spire Health. Spire has now altered its strategy considerably, having come out from under the BUPA umbrella. However, BUPA has just announced that it would be purchasing the Cromwell Hospital, and you may see this announcement by clicking here...
The LCA Board will be considering this matter and the implications that it has for consultants, and will be writing to London-based consultants with their view in due course. The obvious concerns are that BUPA Insurance could use this hospital to promote its agenda of directed care although we understand that BUPA have assured consultants that there is to be no change in current policy.
The Healthcare Commission Rules of Inspection of Private Consulting Rooms... Many consultants have had their problems during the inspection of their private consulting rooms by the Healthcare Commission. The LCA, along with others, has protested about these somewhat over-rigorous inspections. A consultation group with the Healthcare Commission has been set up and the LCA sits on that body. There are now some changes to the inspection process, which will benefit all consultants, in particular those with a NHS appointment.
More articles are available through our news archive...
