Spire Healthcare has fixed the price of 15 procedures and updated the terms and conditions for all self-pay procedures to make treatment prices more inclusive and simpler for patients to understand. The 15 chosen procedures are often rationed by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups. Prices will be fixed at all of Spire’s 38 hospitals, across the UK.
Spire Healthcare has fixed the price of 15 procedures and updated the terms and conditions for all self-pay procedures to make treatment prices more inclusive and simpler for patients to understand. The 15 chosen procedures are often rationed by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups. Prices will be fixed at all of Spire’s 38 hospitals, across the UK.
In June, a Spire survey revealed that 70% of GPs are telling patients who don’t meet requirements for procedures of limited clinical effectiveness, to go private. By fixing prices and amending the terms and conditions Spire hopes to help GPs better understand how to answer patient questions as increasingly people ask about self-funding treatment.
Going forward a patient will pay for an initial consultation and tests but will then be given a fixed price covering all treatment costs including consultants fees, dressings, food etc. There will be no unexpected bills if, for clinical reasons, the patient needs to stay longer than planned or has to return to hospital due to the earlier treatment. The fixed price covers a follow up consultation and all standard post-operative care including take home drugs, the removal of stitches, dressing changes and all physiotherapy. The fixed price includes a standard prosthesis. Should the patient require a specialist prosthesis, again a fixed price will still be given.
Spire understands the financial challenges facing the NHS. For example, a cataract operation on one eye costs the NHS £900, a tonsillectomy or hernia repair £1,200 and a hip replacement over £5,000. In response to this, GP and patient-based research, Spire is offering patients who may have exhausted their options through the NHS a clear and simple pricing structure.
Dr Jean-Jacques de Gorter, Group Medical Director at Spire Healthcare, comments:
“We understand that some treatments provided in the past may no longer be accessible to patients due to local NHS funding restrictions. As a result of our discussions with GPs, we know patients are seeking reassurance regarding the total cost of funding their own care privately. The NHS is simply not in a position to treat everyone for every condition. Spire understands that if private healthcare is to become a more accessible option for patients, it needs to be affordable with clear and transparent pricing. Whilst our excellent patient outcomes have in the past attracted a large number of self-funded patients, we believe that our transparent and clear pricing will now also enable GPs to have informed conversations with their patients regarding total treatment costs”
As one patient commented: “I was in pain every day … popping pain killers. It was really affecting my mood and behaviour. The NHS said I wasn’t a priority and I thought no….I have had enough…we will find the money” Spire’s terms and conditions for all self-pay procedures have been enhanced to make it easier for patients to understand the cost of procedures. Whilst it is important that prospective patients read the full terms and conditions, changes include:
All nursing care, food and accommodation are now covered in the price so patients don’t get any unexpected bills if, for clinical reasons, they need to stay for longer than planned;
Treatment for clinical complications identified by a patient’s consultant following a procedure are to be included without time limits;
The price will include all clinically necessary follow-up physiotherapy to support rehabilitation after surgery;
All routine post-discharge pathology and radiology is included;
Standard prosthesis will be included in the patient’s quote although the price may vary if the consultant advises the use of a specific device; and
All take home drugs are included for 14 days (except for DVT prophylaxis which is not subject to any time limitation) post treatment.
All terms and conditions can be seen at www.spirehealthcare.com/contact-us/terms-and-conditions/
The 15 fixed priced procedures are:
Carpal tunnel
Cataract surgery
Hernia
Tonsillectomy
Varicose veins
Vasectomy reversal
Dupuytren’s contracture
Bunion removal
Knee wash out / arthroscopy
Trigger finger
Hip replacement
Knee replacement
Back injections
Body lift following weight loss
Mole and skin tag removal.
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