BUPA Physiotherapy Tender Process

[Chartered Physiotherapist]

I think a very clear dividing line is being drawn between practices that have had to tender because of their high proportion of Bupa patients and those that have a low amount.

I am outside London and PMI patients account for 20% of my list. Of that Bupa and AXAPPP make up most of the insurance work.

From a purely business point of view, I have not been forced to tender.

[ckaren]

What happens next?
I didn't tender so do I just keep accepting/treating BUPA patients until advised by BUPA?
My latest BUPA patient this morning has been told that she has to phone for a new authorisation number on May 1st and isn't sure whether it is just that it is her policy renewal date or that they wil ask her to go to another physio.

[Mr Manipulator]

Hi 'ckaren', Looking at everything that came with the process, the cut off date for authorisations on the old system is 15.5.09, after which the new network (such as it might be) goes live on 17.5.09.

However, it will be intersting to see if BUPA has enough people to form a network and, if they haven't, the above could change!

Looking at the polls here and on thephysiosvoice.co.uk they might have a bit of a problem. I sincerely hope they do!!

Even if they don't to start with, they probably will down the line when their client base starts to complain about availability of choice of practitioner.

[alasdairjon]

Just thought I'd let you know, I received the following email after informing several government ministers of BUPA's "process". Perhaps another helping hand to come? Also, If ANY of you are Federation of Small Business members, they would love to hear from you. They are one group which do lobby hard on behalf of their members, and advised me to speak to my local MP, giving me details of the direct line to him in the Houses of Parliament. Believe me, the FSB could be an invaluable tool in our fight.

Email as follows
"

Thank you for your email regarding BUPA's change in their service terms that affect physiotherapists. I am passing your email to Stephen O'Brien MP, Shadow Health Minister, who leads on this issue for his consideration.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Lansley "

Keep fighting. From within, or without.

[archersusie]

Has anyone emailed the BBC Watchdog yet, they are running a series on Insurance Companies at the moment and this would probably be of interest to them.

[JacobI]

Dear archersusie - I hope you have? I wrote to Jane Dreaper last week, and have had two replies, unfortunately, as you can see on TV, she is rather occupied with Swine flu at the moment, but I did urge her to read the discussion here and on physiosvoice, and to check FIPO, as they have the connection with the opthalmologists, and to look at the original prees release form CSP. Maybe you can do the same to Watchdog.