The Independent Doctors Federation (IDF) has called on Bupa to reconsider its latest increase in fees for consultants, claiming the new rates remain “out of step with inflationary pressures and escalating operational expenses”.
While welcoming Bupa’s decision to increase fees as a positive step towards addressing longstanding issues with consultant remuneration, the body said it was concerned that the adjustments “remain insufficient given the growing challenges consultants face”.
In its response, the IDF also said it was concerned the insurer had listed it as a contributor to its benefits review in an email sent to consultants entitled Bupa’s ‘Fee increases and an update on Bupa’s commitments to consultants’.
In September the IDF launched a campaign to rebalance the relationship between doctors and insurers. This is part of the ongoing long-running dispute between the parties over fees, patient care and other medical processes.
In July, Health & Protection exclusively revealed that Bupa was reviewing its fee model for consultants, while in May Health & Protection also revealed that Axa Health had increased the fees it pays for medical procedures on average by 15%.
Clarifying the situation
The IDF said that following Bupa’s message to consultants about the benefit limits review, it wanted to clarify the exact nature of its involvement, adding it was “concerned” that it had been listed as a contributor to the review.
“Earlier this year, representatives from Bupa requested a meeting with the IDF following the start of our ongoing private medical insurer (PMI) campaign,” the IDF said.
“During this meeting, Bupa informed us that a fee structure review was underway but would not provide details or seek our direct input or feedback on the specifics of the benefit limits review.
“We were neither consulted on nor given insight into the methodology, outcomes, or impending fee changes associated with this review prior to its publication.
“Therefore, we were surprised to find our name listed as a contributor without prior knowledge.
“The IDF did not provide consultation or endorsement regarding Bupa’s benefit limits review findings, nor did we offer any statements or positions on their review process or conclusions.
“While we appreciate Bupa’s willingness to meet with us in response to our PMI campaign, our dialogue focused on broader concerns regarding the working relationship between independent doctors and private medical insurers, advocating for a fairer system for consultants and patients.
“This meeting did not serve as an endorsement or formal consultation for Bupa’s review process.”
Out of step
While the IDF said it remained committed to its primary mission of advocating for its members and independent doctors, it added that it felt Bupa’s increased fees were “out of step” with inflationary pressures.
“We continue to support collaborative, transparent engagements with Bupa and other insurers, with the goal of advancing fair, equitable practices within the private medical sector,” it continued.
“The IDF was interested to read that Bupa has recognised the need to develop consultant fees more transparently, aiming to better reflect the clinical time and complexity of procedures.
“While we acknowledge Bupa’s decision to increase fees as a positive step towards addressing longstanding issues with consultant remuneration, we are concerned that the adjustments remain insufficient given the growing challenges consultants face.
“The increases, ranging between 5% and less than 25% based on procedure complexity, fall short of adequately reflecting the rising costs that consultants must bear to provide high-quality care.”
The IDf added that despite Bupa’s recent minimum 7% consultation fee uplift, introduced in December 2023, the current proposed rates remained out of step with inflationary pressures and escalating operational expenses.
“For many IDF members, these modest increases do little to address the financial strain resulting from static fees over the past two decades,” it continued.
“Taking into account inflation rates alone since 1998, when fees were last adjusted, most fees currently stand at 20-30% of where they should be.
“The increase in fees needed is therefore far beyond what is currently published.”
Panel must be representative
And while the IDF said it appreciated Bupa’s establishment of a consultant panel, it added this must be representative of all consultants working in private practice bound by the fee constraints enforced on them by Bupa.
“We expect this platform to lead to more substantive outcomes that genuinely reflect the realities faced by independent consultants,” the IDF said.
“Without a commitment to meaningful fee adjustments, independent consultants will continue to face financial constraints that hinder their ability to deliver the standard of care patients deserve.”
Call to reconsider
Consequently, the IDF has urged Bupa to reconsider its current proposal.
“We feel that broader and more impactful adjustments are necessary to foster sustainable clinical practice for consultants across the board,” it said.
“Our members strongly support the principle that the doctor-patient relationship is paramount and that clinicians should be free to set their own reasonable fee structure and not be constrained by any PMIs.
“As the leading representative of independent doctors across the UK, we are committed to advocating for a fairer, more transparent and more appropriate model for our members, independent doctors and patients.
“We will continue to call for greater collaboration between PMIs, the IDF and independent doctors to ensure that doctors voices are heard and concerns addressed, and so that private medical insurance is a viable and effective service for patients.”
Health & Protection approached Bupa for comment.
Bupa said in a statement: “We are committed to ensuring the fees we pay balance affordability for customers as well as fairly reimbursing consultants for the services they provide.”
