Radiology and Pathology News

RADIOLOGY

It has become evident that colleagues in the so-called "service" specialities of radiology and pathology are often having difficulties with the private hospitals in which they practice. In these specialities the consultants are largely dependent on the supply of patients through the hospital and on the equipment supplied by the hospital. As a consequence and also for convenience a situation has arisen over the years in which the consultant's fees are usually bundled into an overall charge negotiated by the hospital provider with the insurance company.

This is the inevitable result of giving away consultant independence of charging and of course the same result will ensue for any consultant in any speciality who enters into any partnership arrangement with either insurer or provider. No matter how attractive at the start it is never worth losing your independence of practice and fee setting.

The LCA has conducted a detailed questionnaire survey of directors of radiology in all private hospitals in the UK. More than 50% have so far responded. There is a mixed response from these consultant radiologists, only some of whom have a say in fees setting. All feel under threat and of course it is the declared policy of some insurers to continue to bundle these fees in to the hospital charges.

There is overwhelming support for the formation of a Radiological Association and the LCA will be co-ordinating a meeting of all interested radiologists in the near future to discuss this.

For more information LCA members only should contact our office.

PATHOLOGY

Histopathologists, though a smaller group, are likewise affected and in some areas are being threatened by their hospital providers and insurers. Certain consultants are actively working together and there is a nascent Federation of Histopathologists. The LCA is liasing with this group and will be supporting their efforts. Pathologists wanting to make contact please visit our contacts page...

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