BUPA Physiotherapy Tender Process

[physiobob]

Here's an interesting report I found online about this issue with the MRI professionals

Hospital files complaint on Bupa as it fails tender process

Bupa could be probed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) following a complaint from a hospital about the insurer's new network arrangements, writes Kirstie Redford.
St Anthony's Hospital in Surrey filed the complaint after Bupa conducted a national tender of routine elective out-patient MRI scans earlier this year. The hospital failed the tender process meaning that patients have to go elsewhere for scans, despite receiving the rest of their treatment at the hospital and listing St Anthony's as their preferred provider.

Brian Clarke, hospital director at St Anthony's, said altering network arrangements undermined the whole concept of private medical insurance (PMI). "The move by Bupa goes against the heart of PMI, which is that patients have the choice of where, when and by who they get treated," he said.

Clarke added that narrowing the choice of radiologists could put the quality of treatment in jeopardy. "Operating surgeons choose radiologists very carefully and often work closely with them so that they can speak the same language when interpreting results. Separating reporting radiologists from surgeons has already led to requests for repeat scans," he said.

Lara Gorman, spokesperson for the OFT, confirmed it had received a complaint from St Anthony's saying it had been unfairly prevented from joining Bupa's preferred provider network for MRI scans. "The OFT is currently still considering the substance of this complaint," she said.

Natalie-Jane Macdonald, medical director of Bupa UK Health Insurance, said the objective of the tender was to ensure consistent quality of service, together with fair pricing. She said: "St Anthony's was unsuccessful because it was too expensive. The hospital was given the opportunity to improve its pricing during the tender process but chose not to do so."

[Bupabear]

Are "Blooper" intending to impose a similar tender process on orthopaedic surgeons? Anyone know? They might be useful allies for us: imagine a surgeon not been able to refer to a physio they trust.

One very interesting point in the letter we received from Bupa is when they say they would only be able to guarantee pre-authorisation to physios in the network. Reading between the lines, does this say:

"If you are a corporate member, we don't want to upset your company so we will allow authorisation in this case."

or

"Don't shout at us and threaten to withdraw your membership, we will allow pre-authorisation in this case."

Any thoughts on this ambiguity?

[markphysio]

Spoke with Roger Hint Customer Relations Officer (0207 306 6695) from the CSP, and Chris Hammacott (0207 314 7839). Both men were very helpful, firstly Chris pointed out the standard line that the CSP could not be seen to directing members as to what to do, etc. as we have heard before.

Later in the afternoon I spoke with Roger who said that due to the large volume of calls received regarding this matter the CSP in conjuction with the OCCCP (check the website this evening for further news I was informed) were now considering a media campaign to highlight our issues and even examining legal alternatives as to what can be done to protect THEIR/OUR membership, which I think they initially failed to take into full consideration. The CSP is our governing body, and it is up to us to continue the pressure so that our collective voices are heard.

I think all the issues that have been raised in this forum and the physiosvoice.co.uk, are excellent ones and their is no need to re-hash them, but I emplore you all to be passionate about this matter and continue to keep fighting the good fight.

cheers mark

[thephysiosvoice]

Good work.

This is what we need. We need the support of the CSP. The more we "hassle" them, the more they have to take notice. By hook, or by crook.....

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