The Relative Value Review (RVR) was instigated by several major
private medical insurance companies, with the help of members
of the profession, some time ago. The purpose of this exercise,
which was undertaken by Newchurch Ltd - a healthcare consultancy
and information service (www.newchurch.co.uk),
was to restructure the reimbursements to patients for consultant
fees for various operative procedures and other treatments.
The concept was developed because it was recognised that some
reimbursements were inappropriately funded and the changing practices
and technology also required a rethink of the whole fee reimbursement
system.
The RVRs published by Newchurch left many in the profession confused
because there were still a number of inconsistencies. However,
before the RVRs could be implemented in any guise, PPP (who were
not part of the RVR process) reported the whole matter to the
OFT. PPP's claim was, we understand, that such a new fee structure
would amount to some form of cartel as it was to be implemented
by several insurers.
At the moment no official response has been made by the OFT although
unofficial rumours suggest that they have rejected PPP's claim.
BUPA Insurance are currently negotiating a limited number of increased fee
reimbursements to certain specialty groups. Anaesthetists have
agreed a number of procedures with increased fee reimbursements.
The LCA's view
It remains to be seen what the overall impact of these increases
of fee reimbursements will mean to different specialties but it
continues to be the LCA's position that such reimbursements are
made to the patient for consultant fees and any shortfalls remain
the responsibility of the patient. The LCA reiterates that it
does not condone excessive or unreasonable charges.
Members of the LCA wishing to utilise a Fee Explanation note
to distribute to their patients, which covers some of these issues,
can request a copy online...
