WA GP clinics set to be run by Bupa - clinical need must remain paramount

Bupa has entered into an agreement with Partnered Health to acquire its national network, subject to regulatory approval. 

Practices in Joondalup, Midland, Gosnells, Rockingham, Armadale, Busselton and Dunsborough are listed on Partnered Health’s website.

The proposed acquisition, announced this month, is expected to include 68 primary care clinics and three urgent care clinics, in addition to corporate health and wellbeing services. 

But as the private health insurer prepares to take over the clinics, WA GP Ramya Raman has cautioned that patient preference and clinical need must remain paramount.

"GPs must remain free to make clinical decisions based solely on the needs of their patients. Regardless of who owns or operates a practice, clinical governance arrangements should ensure medical decisions are never influenced by commercial or insurance-related considerations," she told Medical Forum.

"Patients should be confident that their choice of GP, referral pathways and treatment options are determined by clinical need and patient preference, not corporate or financial interests. Maintaining trust in the doctor–patient relationship must remain paramount."

In a statement on the acquisition, Partnered Health said the agreement created potential for greater professional support and enhanced career opportunities for its clinicians.

“Partnered Health will be well positioned to expand access to connected, convenient and preventative care, supported by continued investment in clinical services, digital capability and integrated health pathways.
 
“It also supports Partnered Health’s ongoing commitment to helping GPs, clinicians and care teams deliver high-quality, local care in the communities they serve."

Bupa APAC chief executive Nick Stone said acquiring Partnered Health was a natural next step for Bupa as it continued to expand its health provision network and grow its multidisciplinary health offerings.

“As a diversified health care provider, we’re focused on what we can do to better meet the health and wellbeing needs of Australians, as well as help support the careers of the GPs and clinicians that deliver that care,” Mr Stone said.

“We’ve been steadily growing our national network of medical centres, urgent care and mental health clinics to help provide easier access to essential, primary health care services for all Australians."

Mr Stone said Bupa clinics were open to the public, not just Bupa members.

Last year, concerns were raised about the impact of private health insurers increasing their role in medical service delivery in Australia when Bupa opened the first of a network of mental health clinics across the country.

Mr Stone said the private health company currently operated 32 Bupa Medical and 13 Mindplace clinics, alongside its dental, optical and hearing services across Australia.

“We continue to support full clinical autonomy for doctors and respect the critical role they play in helping to achieve better health outcomes for patients,” he said.

Partnered Health managing director Dr Malcolm Parmenter said Bupa was committed to the same clinical autonomy that Partnered Health clinicians had always enjoyed.

The acquisition is subject to ACCC and Foreign Investment Review Board approval, and other conditions.