Bupa UK Insurance and Cleveland Clinic London have agreed a new multi-year contract, and have launched a value-based healthcare pilot and a no-shortfall guarantee for consultant fees.
The value-based healthcare pilot includes Bupa Platinum consultants who are covered by all its healthcare schemes.
It is based on a patient-centered approach to care, where Cleveland Clinic is paid depending on how a patient’s health or condition improves after treatment.
This move away from the traditional ‘fee-for-service’ model where the hospital is paid based on the cost of treating patients means that Bupa patients won’t face any extra bills from consultants, even if they’re higher than the patient’s health cover allowance, the insurer said.
The announcement comes the day after Health & Protection reported that Bupa was acquiring New Victoria Hospital, for an undisclosed sum.
Rob Lorenz, managing director, president of Cleveland Clinic London said: “As people become more informed about their healthcare choices and monitor health and wellbeing more closely, there is greater demand for transparency about clinical quality and value for money.
“We value our long-term partnership with Bupa and look forward to continuing to provide high quality care to its customers.”
Richard Washington, general manager for healthcare at Bupa UK Insurance said: “Value-based healthcare represents a promising and growing shift in healthcare delivery.
“It puts the focus on the quality of care provided and patient outcomes, while encouraging greater coordination and collaboration between health insurers and providers.
“The agreement with Cleveland Clinic London is an exciting and important step towards this.”
Last year Bupa made a series of changes to working with medical practitioners including increasing fees, the launch of a consultant panel and a commitment to regularly reviewing fees in future.