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The majority of private patients do hold private health insurance. However a significant number of people with no insurance fund their treatment if and when it becomes neccessary.
Regardless of whether or not you have an insurance policy, it is entirely reasonable (and desirable) for you to receive an estimate of the likely costs at the outset of any treatment you may need. It is diffcult to provide you with accurate costs until you have a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. That is why we confirm your costs at each stage of your treatment.
You may wonder why we do not publish a fee schedule. This is because original guidelines on medical fees published by the British Medical Association were ruled illegal by the Monopolies and Mergers Commision in 1994. Since then, there has been no 'official' fee tariff. Furthermore, the Competition Act means that any doctor publishing such a list would be in breach of the act.
It is important for you to note that if you are treated by a consultant in the private sector, a financial contract exists between you and your consultant meaning that you are personally liable for your consultant's fees. If you have private medical insurance then your insurance company may reimburse you for all or some of these medical fees. We urge you to read a leaflet prepared by FIPO (Federation of Independent Practitioner Organisations) which provides a more thorough explanation about medical fees in the private sector.
At Enhancing Health, you will receive an invoice each time you see the consultant. This will clearly re-iterate the charges quoted to you about your consultation or procedure. If you have private health insurance and have provided your insurance details, we will send a copy of your invoice to your insurer on your behalf. Please note that if you are self funding, then you will be asked to pay for any in-patient procedure in advance - in line with the policy of the hospitals in which we operate.
If you have further questions relating to your fees then it is best to talk to the consultant about this when you see him or call the Enhancing Health office directly on 02380 403541.
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