News Update on the BUPA Ophthalmology Tender
October 2nd 2006
There have been some discussions over the summer recess between BUPA Insurance and the BMA/FIPO/Opthamology and Anaesthetic Associations. It has become clear that BUPA Insurance are not in a position to proceed with their Approved Network due to lack co-operation from the profession. BUPA Insurance are still intent on developing what they call local networks and state that they intend to engage with consultants at a local level. The precise meaning of this is unclear.
What is perfectly clear is PPP's new strategy to package cataract surgery by changing their subscribers insurance policies and rolling out a new type of insurance with restricted choice for the patient. In essence this was what BUPA was trying to do but without all the frills and so a patient wishing to obtain preauthorisation from PPP will be directed to a specific networked hospital which has been enrolled in to the scheme. The hospital are responsible for obtaining the surgeon and anaesthetist (if one is required) and the hospital will negotiate the fees with the consultants.