BUPA Physiotherapy Tender Process

[physiowestlondon]

Just got my contract back from Bupa, signed, and at prices slightly above their 'benchmarked' prices. It's been a bit of a roller coater ride, but I'm happy with the outcome. I didn't even have to drop my standard price - so all good!

[Mr Manipulator]

'Good' on the price side but let's not forget the terms and conditions to which all who tendered had to agree and which, despite what BUPA say, have serious implications for our professional autonomy in the future.

[physiobob]

Well it seems that from recent comments on the Physio Voice that BUPA have not been able to get their network. Of course they did get a good starting point and I do feel sorry for those now getting paid less per session that the rest of us.

Comments include practitioners who did not tender at all who have remained covered by BUPA under their existing contracts at whatever fee's they are currently charging. There seems no actual end date to that at present. I for one did not tender and have heard very little. I continue to treat their clients and charge what I like.

The main thing to consider though is the fact that quietly, one by one, BUPA is trying to pick off practices to try to complete their domination of the UK market. I hope people continue to resist second and third offers to tender for the same deal as that originally offered. To tender at all is to see the further degradation of our professional autonomy.

I figure they are waiting for the results of the two complaints (OFT etc.) before making their next move. Let's all stand firm. Should BUPA contact you at this stage it means they need you! You can agree to a price per session if you like (even though that kills the marketplace) but don't agree to sign anything else that costs you time and money. Don't forgo the right to charge the patient at the time of consultation and don't sign up to increased admin.

[parkerlindsey]

Hi all...
The BUPA tender process is going to start now. If it gets good response, it will invest the money in a new drugs. I think this may cause reduction in the number of osteopaths.

[JacobI]

I finally received the letter from Bupa a week ago; was beginning to think that they were quietly keeping some of us on the list, especially those of us who have been registered a long time. I am now drafting a letter to those of my Bupa clients that have come to me on and off for a long time (either for different conditions, or to get 'back on track' for longstanding conditions). Has anyone done this, and any ideas of wording? I gather that Bupa clients are getting a letter from Bupa about the register, and am hoping to see it, so I can respond to what they write. Most of my above client group have already said that they will continue to come to me, either by paying me direct, or some have said they will try insisting on seeing me. The best thing would be of course, if they change their PMI!

[Chartered Physiotherapist]

I have been given my dear john letter from Bupa after over twenty years of treating their patients. My patients who have recently asked Bupa for new authorisation have been told that their treatment is covered until the end of the year.

I wonder if the door has completely closed. Look at Bupa's wording on the initial document they sent:

"Physiotherapists can choose not to bid but at the point at which the new network is launched, they may no longer be eligible to treat Bupa members or invoice Bupa."

Does "may" mean that if you are treating a coporate member who just happens to be a big wig in their company, then they will make an exception?

[JacobI]

I have seen the letter that Bupa are sending their members regarding their 'new out-patient physiotherapy network', and find it downright insulting. "the agreements we have with network physiotherapists ensure that only experienced clinicians treat Bupa members" I have 31 years experience, and it is partly because of my experience that I decided not to tender. Nowhere in the letter does it mention how many providers they have in their network - I assume the number is significantly less than before, and therefore there is less choice. Do the members know this?

[physiobob]

Again the recent BUPA letter to the members is something that the CSP and Physio First should be taking legal issue with.

I finally received the Dear John letter this week. Not moving my stance though. Of course offended since I helped research and co-author the UK's Guidelines on the treatment of Occupational Low Back Pain. I have also been the CSP media expert on PIilates and Back Pain. Obviously BUPA consider that not to be senior enough?

Surely the implication of their wording is to b challenged but then they know that perhaps this is the base but they've already sent out the letters and unless they printed a retraction letter it would be of little use.

HOw about the idea mentioned previously of marketing that we are "Recognised by all Major Health Care insurers. As part of the Access Physio for All Initative we DO NOT recognise BUPA insurance at this clinic."

Maybe the wording could be better but you get what I am aiming at. Any comments?

[Chartered Physiotherapist]

One of my patients was up for Bupa insurance renewal last week, this is what he told me:

He told them he was not going to renew as his preferred physiotherapist was not on the Bupa physiotherapy network from next year. Guess what? Someone phoned him back and said he would still be able to see me if he wanted.

Did they give him the correct information? Is authorisation going to be given outside the Network if a patient insists?

Seems a bit like a car insurance claim process.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

[physiobob]

Yep, several of mine have just rung up and said 'I want to see this guy, he's not more expensive than the others and I've been seeing him for yrs'. Every time BUPA has authorised it. Glad to know the customer really has the power!!

[Chartered Physiotherapist]

What I was meaning to put across, is that Bupa were discussing possible future authorisation from NEXT year when I will not be in the network!