Remote consultations give private doctors the edge internationally
The development of digital consultations during the pandemic is set to give independent practitioners and providers a head start as patients from other countries return, according to market analysts.
They say remote services strengthened access to London for international customers and this, together with the capital’s reputation as a centre for medical excellence, puts the UK in a ‘good position to attract renewed overseas demand’ as travel restrictions ease.
LaingBuisson said remote services developed during Covid-19 had enabled some overseas demand for medical services private health, prior to the pandemic, to continue.
Interest in private medical cover also grew strongly over the last 20 months and this was boosted as more remote access services were made available, according to the 7th edition of the company’s Private Acute Healthcare UK Market Report.
The market analysts estimate that the market contracted by around 30% in 2020 compared to 2019.
LaingBuisson said: ‘Following the first few months of 2021, the independent hospital sector in the UK has started to recover well. The number of people treated on private medical insurance has increased, as insurance companies have sought to ensure treatment of their clients.
‘There have also been high numbers of NHS-funded admissions to private hospitals as NHS managers have sought to reduce waiting lists. The opportunity presented by the NHS is set to continue through to the end of 2021 and into 2022, supported by the Government’s £10bn procurement initiative.’
Interest in self-pay was also rising especially for elective surgery and diagnostics.
Philip Blackburn
But report author Philip Blackburn warned that downward pressure on profitability for providers, experienced by most operators, was less positive for them.
He said: ‘Although, to date, much of this can be put down to Covid-related factors, uncertainty around the future patient mix and funding tariffs make future profitability trends hard to predict.
‘While the recovery in economic growth expected in 2021-22, coupled with household spending savings during the pandemic favoured increased spending on healthcare, the recent slowdown, the rise in inflation and supply shocks have created some caution around future prosperity.
‘The impact of coronavirus is compounded by the healthcare sector’s current staffing challenges, as many clinicians and hospital staff have been working long hours for a sustained period. Some hospitals already face significant recruitment challenges, exacerbated by Brexit.’