Consultants Online - Bupa's independent news and information service for consultants

Developed exclusively for Bupa-recognised consultants, the site is designed to meet the needs of today's clinical consultant in private practice. If you have any feedback or suggestions about other services you would like to see on this site, you can get in touch with us by email at providercomms@bupa.com.

Consultant queries

The telephone line is manned during office hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and on Saturdays, 8am to 1pm. We aim to respond to email queries within 48 hours.

* Consultant Partners can use their priority helpline number.

Bupa extends MRI network

The new network - the only one of its kind - offers better value for money by reducing the cost of MRI scans by 20 percent. Bupa will use any savings to pay for new technology, expensive cancer drugs and home nursing care for its three million members.

Specialist network success

The ongoing development of our specialist network has continued to guarantee high levels of service from hospitals and consultants that we feel offer the best value for our members. Indeed, many units are now open evenings and weekends, patients can get an out-patient appointment for a routine scan within two working days for fixed unit sites and we stipulate in our contracts that reports will be returned to consultants within two working days.

The new network

We are pleased to announce that on Sunday 20 April 2008, the MRI network will go live with at least 30 percent more MRI providers than the 2006 - 2008 network.

The new MRI network includes some of the units operated by hospital groups such as BMI, HCA, Spire, Classics, Aspen and Nuffield and individual private hospitals such as St Anthony's in Cheam. Around 75 NHS hospitals are included as well as diagnostics specialists like Lodestone Patient Care.

With over 350 units now in place (30 units within Central London) you and your patients will have access to a wider choice of alternative units in their locality. New contracts with providers will be in place for a minimum of three years.

There may be a small number of occasions when a member's/referring clinician's first choice of hospital/unit is now no longer part of the network. With the increase in the size of the network, the next available units should be within reasonable travelling distance.

For a full list of Bupa approved MRI units, details can be found in the Bupa and you section of the website, under Bupa approved treatment centres.

We will continue to keep you informed of any additional to the network and in the meantime if you have any questions regarding this communication please contact us via the mrinetwork@bupa.com mailbox.

Bupa acquires the Cromwell Hospital - March 2008

Bupa, have announced the acquisition of the Cromwell Hospital in London for £90 million as part of a plan to create a flagship private hospital in the capital. It will be known as the Bupa Cromwell Hospital.

The Cromwell Hospital is renowned for being the first to invest in some of the UK's leading edge equipment and cancer services. It also has particular expertise in neurosciences and paediatrics. Around 600 consultants practise there, mainly drawn from London teaching hospitals, covering 70 different specialties. Out-patient services include private GPs, health screening and a walk-in family medicine and diagnostic centre.

The 128-bed hospital has a large and loyal UK and international clientele, many of whom travel long distances to receive treatment. It admits both self-pay and embassy sponsored patients and those funded by medical insurance.

Fergus Kee, managing director of Bupa UK Health Insurance said: "Private patients tell us they want more high quality private health services in London. We believe there is tremendous opportunity to introduce modern, innovative ways of delivering healthcare in the capital offering high levels of customer service, clinical excellence and more cost effective care.

"We will be investing a further £30 million in the Cromwell Hospital over the next two years to create a centre of excellence for private patients.

"Bupa originally entered the private hospital market because of a shortage of private hospital beds in the 1970s. This is no longer the case outside London. This was one of the reasons for selling Bupa hospitals in 2007. For many years, Bupa has been looking for the right opportunity to have a flagship hospital in London. Until now, that opportunity has not arisen," he said.

Shamus and Francis Jennings, owners of Ballyrogan Holdings Ltd, majority shareholders of the Cromwell Health Group said: "Over the last couple of years we have concentrated on introducing sound commercial efficiencies to complement the world-class clinical attributes already well established at the Cromwell Hospital.

“That job done, the time is now right for the hospital to move into a new phase of development and as such we are delighted to transfer ownership to Bupa who have pledged to make further investment. We would like to thank the team of 550 staff and 600 consultants for their unstinting dedication and professionalism during our stewardship and convey our very best wishes to them going forward."

Hume Martin, CEO, Cromwell Hospital said: "Bupa’s health expertise and the stability that will come from being part of the Bupa Group will enable the hospital to fulfill its potential in London."

Bupa approved ophthalmic units

Bupa is pleased to announce the launch, on 1 August 2007, of their approved ophthalmic units. More details can be found in the 'Bupa and you' section of the website, under Bupa approved treatment centres.

Update to Bupa Schedule of Procedures - 30 April 2007

We have recently introduced various changes to Bupa’s schedule of procedures. This includes some new codes, changes to narratives, and removal of some existing codes in line with the CCSD Schedule of Procedures. In addition we have revised the anticipated length of stay for a number of commonly performed procedures. Code S0940 (skin photodynamic therapy) has been removed, and the existing codes S0606 and S0607 must be used in its place. Code W7480 (posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) is being reinstated. Please click here to see details of these changes.

Please note that the spreadsheet which is linked to this notice has several pages to it. You can open each page by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the page.

The online Schedule, including the PDF, is the only version which is constantly kept up to date, so we recommend that you use this version in preference to other editions which we may have posted or e-mailed to you.

Notice of future updates will be posted on this page.