Letter to all consultant ophthalmologists and anaesthetists - Proposed BUPA approved ophthalmology network
14 June 2006
Dear Doctor
Further to our letter of 12 June, we are writing to update you on progress with BUPA Insurance Limited’s approved ophthalmology network.
You may have been contacted by BUPA Insurance Limited reminding you of the 19 June deadline of the quality stage of the Network process, and reiterating that any hospital or consultant that does not submit documentation by the deadline will be signalling that they no longer wish to treat BUPA members and BUPA will suspend their recognition for ophthalmology once the Approved Network is launched. We would urge you to continue to resist the network initiative and remind you that the profession is still in discussions with BUPA Insurance Limited and that you should write to BUPA declining to join the network, but requesting that your recognition be continued, as you wish to continue to treat BUPA insured patients.
Currently, 97% of consultants responding to the BMA’s register have confirmed that they will not be proceeding with the ophthalmology network. If you have not already done so, please go to our website to register your decision - https://www.bma.org.uk/SurveyP.nsf/DoQuest?OpenForm&q=SMAY-6QPFAA&mode=a&pre=y. Note - The survey has now closed.
We would also ask those consultants who have previously indicated to BUPA that they would be interested in the network to use the following link to confirm whether or not they have withdrawn following advice from the professional organisations - go to https://www.bma.org.uk/SurveyP.nsf/DoQuest?OpenForm&q=SMAY-6QSEFV&mode=a&pre=y Note - The survey has now closed.
The proposed BUPA Network is being strongly opposed by consultants and yesterday BMI Healthcare, the largest operator of private hospitals, announced that it has declined to participate in the Network particularly in the light of BMA advice, and advice from others.
We intend to email you with regular news on how this matter is progressing. Please pass this information onto your colleagues.
Yours sincerely
Derek Machin
Chairman
Private Practice Committee
Rhod Daniel
Chairman
Ophthalmology Group Committee