Joining The Consultants' Partnership

Even when established there can be issues, most noticeably over the freedom to set your fees. Fee maxima set unilaterally by insurance companies are now a third in real terms of 20 years ago and insurers enforce these by creating ‘recognition’ whereby they only allow consultants to treat patients if they charge below an amount they set unilaterally. Inflation, increasing costs and licenses rapidly eat into take home pay. 

It is illegal under the Competition Act 1998 as enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority to discuss fees with other doctors, to organise or otherwise work together unless you are members of a limited liability partnership (LLP) registered at Companies House. Joining TCP (Company number OC453993 ) gives you that freedom and much more:

• We offer tutorials to newly appointed consultants and those starting in private practice. Experienced members in the same specialty are happy to give advice and we can point you to various structures and arrangements that will save you time, hassle and money. We can also advise you how to respond to insurance companies who will demand you restrict your fees and sign binding contracts.

• For established consultants we offer freedom to set your own fees. We work nationally with various organisations whilst our members operate together in either specialties or geographical areas to set reasonable fees and look after each other.

• We recognise remuneration for NHS work, set at £125 pounds an hour for trainees in 1998, has changed little and can be unfair. We will work with the NHS and providers to properly recognise the vital input of members into this work. 

• We use the LLP to get the message to patients and direct them to members. We require members to meet certain practice standards such as providing quotations before service, and offer patients the ability to raise concerns so they have confidence that members of TCP are up to a standard, not down to a price.

• We offer special rates for accepting credit cards, the preferred payment method of patients.

• We offer medical insurance for consultants and their families at discounted rates.

• We provide bill collection and payments are made to your practice monthly. Several billing organisations are discussing offering members special rates on a voluntary basis.

• Professional indemnity will be coming soon which is more comprehensive but considerably cheaper and will also include legal protection for employment and responding to disputes.

• Behind our firewalls members can discuss issues and raise concerns. You will be up to date.

• Finally we are a democratic organisation where every member can stand for the Board and also participate. We listen to your problems and work to provide solutions. You are giving up your free time to provide your skills to patients, and deserve to be treated fairly.