The online forum of the LCA

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.

Upcoming Events

The LCA in conjunction with FIPO (The Federation of Independent Practitioner Organisations) announces another of its private dinners with prominent speakers. We are delighted to welcome Lord Darzi who will speak on“Health Reforms driven by Quality and Professionalism” on 9th June 2009 (Date change from first announcement)... more information

"Managed Care – Inevitable or Avoidable?" The LCA will hold a private meeting for Consultants at the King’s Fund, Cavendish Square, London W1 on 20th May 2009... more information

The Independent Practitioner Today is announcing a seminar on tax entitled "20 Ways To Save Tax", featuring Ray Stanbridge on May 28, 6-8pm, at the Royal Society of Medicine. Refreshments provided. You may book on 01752 312140. It is free to subscribers or £50 for others – this charge includes a free subscription

Recent Events

Private Meeting for Consultants... The LCA in association with FIPO held a private meeting for consultants, in particular oncologists, intensivists and ophthalmologists, at the Kings Fund on Tuesday 18th November 2008. This meeting discussed the latest changes in private medical insurance... view a brief report

LCA Dinner at the Athenaeum with Baroness Young... The private dinner for LCA members, colleagues and friends took place on 19th November 2008. The principle guest and speaker was Baroness Young of Old Scone who will be the next Chairman of CQC (Care Quality Commission)... more information

“Connecting Conversations”... A report from the last medical secretaries meeting, which took place on Tuesday 11th November, is now available... more information

General Meeting for Consultants - "Developing Themes in Clinical Practice"... This meeting took place at the King’s Fund, Cavendish Square on Wednesday 29th October 2008... more information

News in Brief

BMI and Nuffield Health cut radiologists fees - February 2009... BMI and Nuffield hospitals have simultaneously announced a cut back in radiologists fees...more information

For news updates on Managed Care and other issues...visit the FIPO website

Doctors and Fraud... More allegations against consultants and the creation of a database for private medical insurers are discussed... here...

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 ha