Essential Tips for Aspiring Consultants and Private Practice Setup
Explore crucial insights for consultants, from managing two jobs to secretarial support, office considerations, essential equipment, mentorship, and professional development. Learn how to prepare effectively and set up a successful private practice.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
How to prepare for being a Consultant What the textbooks don t tell you and how to set up in private practice Charlie Chan - Cheltenham
The New Boy or Girl Beginner s Guide First two years are the most challenging Get it right, as it s hard to catch up
Two jobs or One? Not everyone wants to do private practice But if you do, then you will have two jobs Time management and organisation are the keys to success and will stop you going mad
NHS Job BEFORE the interview ask about SECRETARY OFFICE Theatre Equipment Travelling peripheral clinics MAKE IT CLEAR WHAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT IF YOU GET THE JOB
Everyone needs Miss Moneypenny Your secretary is worth her weight in gold Try and choose your secretary yourself Tell the hospital when you get the job that you want to make the appointment
The Office Ask about the office when you come for pre-interview visit Do not accept a broom cupboard when you arrive It has to fit you, your PA plus your paraphernalia
Other essentials Theatre equipment will there be a small budget for you to buy your favourite bits? Do you have to travel? Who do you have to support you?
Mentor Keep in touch with an old boss It s ok to call him/her for advice
Appraisal Logbook CPD records Thank you cards & compliments Complaints (360 MSF later)
Thank you cards If someone writes or gives you a present Write back! Keep a copy of the card/letter and reply in the notes. It might just save your bacon! Keep a copy for your Portfolio
Private Practice Still the 4 As Availability Affability Affordability Ability
When to start Private Practice? Think about it before you start the job You will get asked in the first month or two by a NHS patient, who is insured It takes time to organise
What do you need to do? Get recognition from insurance companies Tell your Medical Defence Organisation Visit your local private hospital to arrange practice privileges (PPs) Think about secretarial support Sort out a bank account and accountant
Money Remember that the contract is between you and the patient You treat the patient and charge a customary fee The patient is liable for the fees The insurance company reimburses (either you directly or the patient)
FIPO charter http://www.fipo.org/pdfs/FIPO_Patient_Charter.pdf
Insurance companies You will need to be recognised You need to apply to each insurer individually Letter of appointment to substantive post Specialist Register entry References from consultant colleagues
Not all insurers are the same BUPA 42% AXA PPP circa 20% Aviva, Pru Health, WPA, SimplyHealth, CIGNA Exeter Friendly, Multiplex, Westfield, Beneden, Healix, Saga, Permanent Health, Universal Provident, Health On Line etc
Fee assured consultants BUPA and AXA PPP 65% of the market BUPA and AXA PPP set the fees, NOT you You bill them directly no shortfalls or billing patient BUPA have just reduced the reimbursement for 60% of the most common procedures by average 25% below 1992 levels
Currently You might expect to spend c. 35-40% of your income on practice expenses i.e. 60-65% is net income subject to income tax If insurers squeeze doctors hard, this might go up to 60-65% i.e. only 35-40% remains subject to income tax
Practice Privileges Needed for every private hospital you wish to work at Visit Hospital Manager Complete application form Included letter of appointment, specialist registration, references Occupational Health screening Awarded by MAC (Medical Advisory Committee)
How do you get known? The patients are your customers The GPs are your corporate customers Write to the GPs Offer to visit them CALL THE GP WHEN YOU HAVE BAD NEWS OR A PROBLEM WITH A PT NHS OR PP Give them your mobile number
Manage your time Learn to say NO! Do not take anything else on in your first year or two Concentrate on getting your feet under the table Enjoy it!
Finally be polite Never be rude to anyone you never know who their best friend might be You cannot divorce your consultant colleagues Smile and make it enjoyable Your patients will notice they will tell their GPs you will get more work!
Insurance companies BUPA WPA CIGNA Aviva Simply Health PRU Health Exeter Friendly Universal Provident Benenden Civil Service Healthcare AXA PPP Clinicare Legal & General Healthnow QBE Health Groupama Health On Line Permanent Health Saga Health Healix
