The Headline Economic News
January 2005
The LCA full report contains details about the economic situation of private practice under the following headlines.
Market Update
Market changes are difficult to predict but pressures on consultants
looks set to increase.
The Healthcare Commission
The new Healthcare Commission is becoming more involved with regulating
the profession and independent facilities and this regulation
is adding costs to the delivery of services.
Economic Reports from 2003
Recent reports from Laing and Buisson, industry analysts, suggests
that growth in demand for acute private treatment in the UK in
2003 was low.
Private Insurers Growth
Private medical insurers continue to make large profits but still
are seeking fee reductions and new working relationships with
consultants.
Hospital Provider Activity
The reduction in self-pay patients and the realignment of some
hospital groups towards a low cost / high volume strategy is beginning
to affect the market.
Consultant Income and Expenses
Results of the BMA poll on consultant income coupled with the
FIPO MORI poll shows that median income is relatively low. Practice
expenses are rising but precise information is hard to obtain.
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