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Coming together of like minds
A team of 19 specialists have joined up to provide a complete clinical pathway for accurate and rapid assessment, diagnosis and management of all neurological problems. Belinda Lawson reports
Getting ready to sign a commerical contract
Doctors are having to deal with more and more contracts. Chris Inson gives his top tips to consultants and private GPs for getting to the finish line of signing a commercial contract and concluding what may be a lengthy negotiation
A year when billing became yet harder
Gathering all the money safely in is a major challenge in many doctors’ private practices. Billing expert Garry Chapman gives a review of 2011 and his forecast for 2012
Marketing does not have to cost much
Times are undeniably tough for many right now, but independent practitioners can still use low-cost marketing strategies to benefit their businesses in 2012, says Darren Clare
That was the year that was
Our pagination hit record levels last year as we brought you the news and views that helped shape the business of private consultants and GPs. We look back at some of the milestone stories affecting doctors and their private practice in 2011
Ready, jet set, go
Are you interested in international travel? Are you interested in treating international patients? Participating in a Visiting Doctor Programme might just be for you. Elizabeth Boultbee explains
When a holiday pays for itself
A unique scheme in France for doctor investors gives you the chance to ski on safer financial slopes. Dylan Mitchell explains
Costly and confused
A report for the Federation of Independent Practitioner Organisations, entitled On The Market for Medical Malpractice Indemnity, has exposed some vital issues for doctors in private practice to consider in 2012. Geoffrey Glazer summarises areas of concern
Understand the small print
Know what you are buying for your journey – that’s the message from the FIPO report’s author, writes Robin Stride
An insider’s track to buying health cover
Debbie Kleiner-Gaines takes an insider’s look at how independent practitioners view health cover and whether they are getting the best deals
Avoid kickback of new law on corruption
The Bribery Act 2010 is regularly throwing up questions in private practices. Jane Hanger goes through some practical steps to aid your compliance
Futility of hiring a 2-in-1 secretary
Independent Practitioner Today’s story in November about telephone performance by NHS secretaries being used to manage private patients exposed a serious lack of quality in terms of accessibility. Rita Livesey reveals the full details
Keeping private care affordable
Opinion piece by Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald managing director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing
Don’t miss out on the window of opportunity
Many doctors have been enjoying record low mortgage payments on a variable rate. But Simon Bruce explains why now might be a good time to leave the party early
Growing up
Growing your practice is a common theme among the consultants asking questions of our ‘Business Doctor’ Darren Clare this month
Do I hire, lease or buy?
Ian Tongue explains the pros and cons of the different financing options for equipment purchases
101 tips for consultants new to private practice
Specialists at the 2011 Conference For Consultants New To Nuffield Health travelled miles for this advice. We’ve saved you the effort and expense of taking a day out to London by distilling these vital tips from experts who spoke at the proceedings
Get off my brand
Entrepreneurial independent practitioners know the importance of registering their brand as a trademark. But how do you enforce your rights and deal with infringers post-registration? Chris Inson has some helpful advice
Winning new types of medical tourists
Choosing the right hospital is important to support your international practice. In the third of her series about 'marketing abroad', Elizabeth Boultbee runs through some key questions to help point you in the right direction
Facing the courts
Receiving a claim for clinical negligence can mean a difficult and upsetting time. But knowing what to expect during the process can be very helpful. Dr Sharmala Moody looks at the trials process and how compensation is determined
Buy at the right time
Time your equipment purchases to maximise tax relief before it’s too late! Desirie Lea shows how
Prepare for your longest holiday
Doctors frequently spend more time organising a holiday than retirement – the longest break of their life. Simon Bruce says it’s time to change that and start planning now for what could be your 10,000-day holiday
How to write a business plan
Doing the private practice business plan does not come easy to many doctors or their managers. Rebecca Park gives some practical advice
How do we use surge in choice?
Our Business Doctor Darren Clare answers your questions on how to develop the revolution in patient choice to grow your business
Our firm grip on health
Dr Gill Macleod, chief executive at corporate healthcare provider Roodlane Medical, talks about the vital signs for a healthy business following its recent merger with HCA International
Giving to community repays your practice
An Independent Practitioner Today opinion piece last month highlighted the role of corporate social responsibility. Jane Kirby shows how these events can be managed
Turn heat down on temps
From last month, a new law affects private doctors who hire temporary agency staff, giving them more rights. Emlyn Williams gives a rundown of what you need to know about the ‘12-week hitch’ and its ramifications
Cosmetic surgery’s VAT hit is ‘unethical’
The knives are out for the VAT-man at the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Called to GMC hearing
In the second of two GMC-themed dilemma columns, Dr Jacqui Phillips looks at what to expect if you a have to appear before an interim orders panel or a fitness-to-practise hearing
Make yourself less of a target for the taxman
Over the duration of your career, there is a pretty high chance that you will have an inquiry into your tax affairs from HM Revenue and Customs at some point. Ian Tongue gives some useful guidance
New life is put into an old dream
Any independent practitioner who dreams of having their own clinic one day will find encouragement in the story of the Newlife Fertility Centre, writes Robin Stride
Help! A patient is suing me
Whether it arrives out of the blue or you have an inkling it’s on its way, receiving a claim for clinical negligence is not a pleasant experience. In the first of two features, Dr Sharmala Moodley looks at the pre-trial stages in the life of a claim
A chance to attract patients to London
Elizabeth Boultbee continues her 'marketing abroad' series with a look at the opportunities consultants have to take advantage of medical tourists coming to our capital city
24 hours to save the NHS
What English health reforms mean for independent practitioners – by Lord Nigel Crisp, independent crossbench member of the House of Lords; chief executive of the NHS and Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health 2000-06
Don’t pour away your pension
You wouldn’t pour wine at £75k a bottle down the sink. So don’t do it with your pension, warns Simon Bruce
What to do when a taxman turns up
The taxman could be visiting you sometime soon as real-time visits become a reality for consultants, warns Vanessa Sanders
Planning a move
Building a multidisciplinary group business around, and within, a new building calls for some special skills. Anza Clarke gives some brilliant tips for those taking on this bold step
Options in renting a room
Doctors who rent a consulting room for their private practice have a range of important options to consider. Marianne Potgieter runs through the key areas to be aware of
What to do when that dreaded letter arrives
In the first of two GMC-themed dilemma articles, Dr Yvonne McCombie looks at what to do if you receive a letter from the GMC
Labouring under the shadow of a tribunal
Costly, time-consuming and a risk for adverse publicity, employment tribunals invariably cause major headaches for employers. Here, Chris Inson advises on the best course of action in the event they become the subject of a claim from an employee
Ways to boost custom
To increase the flow of private patients taking advantage of your services you need to be active across a number of fronts, as Darren Clare’s answers to these questions about the barriers to private care show
Private care’s Oscars
Cutting-edge projects demonstrating the best in UK health services were honoured at the sixth Independent Healthcare Awards last month. Leslie Berry reports
Branding is best for attracting patients
Branding a procedure may not be everybody’s cup of tea and can be seen as a gimmick, but dentist Dr Bob Khanna argues he is living proof it works in his business
The good accountant
Your accountant should be treating your private practice income as a business. Sarah-Jane Sinnott suggests what he or she should be offering
Putting your kids on skids is piste of cake!
Non-skiers – or experienced adults who have yet to attempt a ski trip ‘en famille’ – can be daunted by the prospect of taking young children to the Alps. But a well planned family ski trip can be relaxing and memorable for everyone, says Chris Thompson
Costs you can claim against tax
Knowing what is allowable business expenditure causes confusion among new – and many established – private practitioners. Ian Tongue gives a round-up of what you need to know about claiming costs against tax
When your patients start to fly away
In the first of a major new series, Elizabeth Boultbee looks at the changing face of medical tourism. And she warns that consultants need to consider the implications for their practice and develop strategies with UK hospitals to attract new patients
Private healthcare under scrutiny
Consultants in private practice are set to face some unwelcome upheaval in the wake of the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) market study into private healthcare, due to report by the end of the year. Robin Stride reports
Bones of contention – an analysis of MDU claims
Awards for damages in orthopaedic surgery are increasing. Settlements of over £1m in individual cases, while still the exception, are no longer unheard of. Dr Pierre Campbell of the Medical Defence Union looks at trends in orthopaedic and trauma claims
What to bear in mind when joining a group
There is strength in numbers, and consultants who are new to private practice now face an important decision that their predecessors rarely considered – should they join or form a group? Ian Tongue discusses some of the options and aspects to think of
Take more care when asking staff to retire
The UK Government’s decision to abolish the Default Retirement Age will fundamentally change the way in which both employers and employees deal with the issue of retirement. Chris Inson looks at the impact for consultants
Final salary scheme on last legs
With consultants’ anxiety at the Hutton Report’s recommendations for public sector pensions increasing, Richard Powe sets out the key battlegrounds affecting you
Pick pension to suit you
When it comes to retirement, consultants have far more exciting options – and money-saving possibilities – for accessing their pension benefits than they realise. Richard Powe reports
Return of the private patient?
A further fall in the number of patients covered by private insurance has come as no surprise to independent practitioners, insurers and private hospitals alike. But a combination of factors means the market may be on the verge of some encouraging growth
Expanding their minds
The consultant psychiatrist whose company won a day’s PR consultancy in a competition organised by Independent Practitioner Today has been busy expanding and putting the advice he received to good use. Leslie Berry reports on his progress
Questions that you keep on asking us
Some questions crop up again and again. Deborah Young and Pat Parker give some helpful answers to major employment queries being asked by independent practitioners and their managers
Private unit responds to call for critical care
The Lister Hospital has opened a unique model critical care unit for the private sector. James Barr, chief executive officer, reports
University challenge – paying for higher education
As the kids go back to university, it’s time for their parents to return to school for some serious study about how they are going to afford further education bills for their families in future. Indoo Gordon reports
Help them get more out of consultations
Independent Practitioner Today has teamed up with the senior consultants’ website www.totalhealth.co.uk to help you to help your patients – and yourself – by using the Medical Consultation Checklist form
Tips from a clinic boss
Malcolm Miller, chief executive of The London Clinic, is retiring after 20 years in the post. Here he gives his thoughts on what makes a successful consultant and gives some advice on getting on with your private hospital
Going totally private
Independent Practitioner Today’s Business Doctor Darren Clare answers your questions on issues surrounding the relationship between private and NHS work
I’ve had a basin full of cash-flow trouble
Independent Practitioner Today offers support for the backbone of your practice with this essential advice lifeline for you, your secretary or admin professional. This month, Desné Marston answers a perennial question on how to keep on top of billing
So you think you’re a good employer?
Try out our DIY questionnaire – perhaps with your manager – to find out how near you are to being taken to an employment tribunal. Then check your scores at the end
Now check to see if you know your law
Find out how you scored in our employment law quiz by checking your responses against the correct answers shown here.
Cinderella service is decreed ‘on the ball’
Neurorehabilitation care, a frequently undervalued area of medicine, is achieving world-class standards in the private sector. Lesley Pope reports
Joining together to lower tax bill
Everyone is talking about it – but is becoming a limited company the right thing for you? Ian Tongue provides an updated look at trading structure
Red tape cut but fees increased
A new Care Quality Commission fees scheme aims to standardise charges for all providers. Registrations expert Martha Walker explains the system and – with NHS GPs due to join the scheme next year – gives some timely advice
How we went about selling our services
Consultant bowel surgeon Mr Mark Chapman, founder member of North Birmingham Colon Care, shows how his group went about considering venues, food options and seating plans in their quest to raising awareness of bowel conditions and treatments among GPs
Adapting to new NHS
Darren Clare’s answers to this month’s questions explain how to make the most of healthcare changes by making your services accessible. And there are many different ways to achieve that
Don’t get hacked off by website hijackers
Vandal attacks on doctors’ practices are a common problem in some areas – but now computer whizzes are trying to put you out of action via cybercrime. Darren Clare looks at the growing problem of website hijacking
Is the market curbed?
Private healthcare is coming under the microscope of the Office of Fair Trading over the next few months as the competition watchdog examines a number of ‘significant issues’ in its probe into the sector. Leslie Berry looks at the areas it will cover
Social networking
Social media is one of most powerful emerging marketing tools available to independent practitioners. Sara Robinson explains how to make the most of the new opportunities to spread your brand name online
Working for spouse has ups and downs
Independent Practitioner Today offers support for the backbone of your practice with this advice lifeline for you, your secretary or admin professional. This month, Julie McLean considers an all-too-often ‘relatively’ difficult problem in private practice
What Government pensions changes mean for you
Pension changes are on the way. Richard Powe, a director of Stanbridge Wealth financial advisers, takes a look at the implications for independent practitioners
Tips on selecting a new secretary
Independent Practitioner Today offers support for the backbone of your practice with this essential advice lifeline for you, your secretary or admin professional. This month, Julie McLean explains what to look out for when recruiting a new secretary
The secret of a great secretary
As the search to find the Private Medical Secretary of the Year goes on, Julie McLean spells out what makes a great one
The world is your oyster
As the private medical insurance market falls and private doctors in the UK lose business to those abroad who market themselves more strongly, Keith Pollard shows what can be done to increase profits by tapping into the international medical travel market
Registering with the CQC
Next month sees an important change in healthcare regulation for independent practitioners as a new act of Parliament comes into being. Gerry Kennedy gives tips for those doctors with new businesses that will need Care Quality Commission registration
Watchdog has you profiled
The Care Quality Commission will use what are known as Quality and Risk Profiles to continually monitor performance in the independent healthcare sector. Richard Hamblin explains
Can they prevent you working for a rival?
NHS consultants with a private practice are running into conflicts with their NHS trusts when they get involved in working for GP provider companies and polyclinics. Solicitor Andrew Lockhart-Mirams gives his advice
The ins and outs of LLPs
Setting up a limited liability partnership is increasingly attractive for many consultants. In this special report, Susan Hutter looks at the advantages and disadvantages of trading your medical practice via an LLP and explores the potential tax benefits
Is your secretary good for your £ealth?
Is your secretary costing you money by the way she is working? Could her behaviour be losing you patients? Find out for yourself by taking part in this Independent Practitioner Today’s self-assessment programme, compiled by Julie McLean
How does your secretary shape up?
Check how your secretary scored in our questionnaire entitled 'Is your secretary good for your £ealth?'
Important tax information for subscribers
Medical professionals are being targeted under the HM Revenue and Customs ‘Tax Health Plan’ to ensure they have divulged all their income, writes editor Robin Stride.
Tax Health Plan: latest news and advice
Doctors with a private practice are being advised to contact a good accountant (see our list) if they think they could be among the 800 likely to be targeted for a full tax inquiry by the HMRC.
Accountants to help with HMRC's Tax Health Plan
The HMRC’s Tax Health Plan targeting of independent practitioners for tax has underlined the need for doctors with a private practice to have a good accountant.
Do I need to sign on with the watchdog?
Many independent practitioners are wondering if they will have to register with the Care Quality Commission – and what the fee will be. Here the CQC’s registration boss Linda Hutchinson sets out current plans
Ten questions to ask your accountant
Following two seminars it arranged on saving tax, Independent Practitioner Today has set out the issues on which doctors should get their accountant to protect them against unwanted intrusion by the taxman
Profits Focus, our rolling series of articles and statistics on each specialty, is regarded as the performance benchmark in private practice.
