Examining independent practitioners' awareness of the CMA Report

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final report into the private health market in April 2014. Its remedies encompass: divesture of hospitals; a review of PPU arrangements; restrictions on clinician incentive schemes; and better information about treatment fees and performance.

We conducted a survey to gauge the level of awareness of the CMA Report among independent practitioners.

We also wanted to use the survey to assess the response of independent practitioners to the CMA remedies which most affect them: providing fee information and publishing key performance outcomes data

The results from the survey were fascinating, 94% of respondents were in favour of the publication of consultant performance data. Respondents said this would 'bring the private sector in line with the NHS', 'increase credibility' of the private sector and that clinicians 'had nothing to hide'.