Where do I start? SO much to say...
1. The BUPA tender is NOT about quality. It is ONLY a price cutting exercise! Be under no illusion.
2. Why are physiofirst and the CSP not doing more to support their members with this issue? It should be all over the press that BUPA are looking for cut price physiotherapy treatments and reducing patient choice?
3. Are BUPA going to reduce the number of osteopaths/chiropractors
and cut their prices too? I think not! And when your patients cant get a good physio with good skills because of this tender process, they will be going to the chiropractor/osteopath down the road!
4. How am I expected to maintain my CPD, improve and expand my skills and practice with a 30 quid treatment? Will the extra 75p in four years help fund it? I think not. Does Ms Gallagher spend more than 30 quid on her hair do? I think so!
5. What if I get the contract and am flooded with BUPA patients pushing out my other patients and in 4 years time dont get the contract- what happens to my practice then?
6. What if other Personal Health Insurance Companies follow suit and I have to charge all my patients 30 quid - I will essentially be working for 3 months of the year for free (a 25% cut in money coming in!).
7. How do BUPA plan to evaluate that the providers have these carepathways in place and clinical audits? If they did actually inspect them would it mean anything to them? Again, I think not.
8. Can anyone actually make head nor tail of the terms and conditions in this contract?
9. What about my clinical governance and autonomy?
Im angry, confused, stressed and annoyed by BUPA. I thought they were a reliable trustworthy company which provided good quality healthcare now Im not so sure and am wondering should I switch my healthcare provider. I dont want top be sent to the cheapest heart surgeon or the cheapest vascular consultant or have a cutprice hip replacement.
Im also let down by Physiofirst and the CSP - why oh why are they not doing more about this?