Statement to Bupa and AXA-PPP clients:
BUPA and AXA-PPP are only using Chiropractors and Osteopaths that comply with their restricted fee structure.
Despite us being BUPA/AXA-PPP registered for some considerable time and over that time, the patients referred to us have always been happy with our service, they are now demanding we lower our treatment price for their patients for Patient consultation, examination and treatment sessions. They also dictate a maximum number of treatments under the plan; this is not necessarily with regard to clinical need and with reference to the clinical judgement of the clinician but a maximum across the board.
They also refuse to pay a portion of our fee with their insured patients topping up the rest.
We do not believe it is an insurer's position to dictate our fees or clinical plan of management as responsible and ethical health care professionals. As they have not been open to negotiation on this issue we will not be BUPA/AXA-PPP registered in the future, with no new patients being accepted with immediate effect. I apologise to all our patients insured by BUPA and AXA-PPP that this has happened.
When you next call them for any cover they will direct you to another clinic and you must then decide what you wish to do;
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Change practitioner
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Continue treatment here and pay for it and your insurance cover
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Change insurers
I have discussed this with broader profession and observed comments in on-line chiropractic and osteopathic forums. It would appear BUPA and AXA-PPP are losing many experienced and skilled practitioners as a result of this policy, presumably lowering their overall costs but narrowing the range of options for their customers.
We regret any inconvenience this causes for you and your family,
Yours,
Anna Hindley, Principal Chiropractor, Equilibrium.