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How to prepare for being a Consultant

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?.

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How to prepare for being a Consultant

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  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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?

  8. Mentor • Keep in touch with an old boss • It’s ok to call him/her for advice

  9. Appraisal • Logbook • CPD records • Thank you cards & compliments • Complaints • (360 MSF later)

  10. 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

  11. Private Practice • Still the 4 As • Availability • Affability • Affordability • Ability

  12. 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

  13. What do you need to do? • Get recognition from insurance companies • Tell your Medical DefenceOrganisation • Visit your local private hospital to arrange practice privileges (PPs) • Think about secretarial support • Sort out a bank account and accountant

  14. 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)

  15. FIPO charter http://www.fipo.org/pdfs/FIPO_Patient_Charter.pdf

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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)

  21. 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

  22. 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!

  23. 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!

  24. Insurance companies

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