We have a similar arrangement with 2 NHs close to each other, owned by the
same people. Annual retainer for weekly session + the guarantee that we'll
take any new patients admitted, although other local GPs do have patients in
both homes.
The arrangement has been in place for years, and I believe originally the
senior partner attended twice/week (Mon/Thurs) to deal with any jobs. Over
time it has evolved to typically one session/week, normally Monday, with a
call to check if any jobs are waiting on a Thurs.
The owners did once question the need to continue the arrangement but the
senior partner appraised them of the damn fine job we do so the retainer
continues.
Now he's retired we're trying to maintain the same level of service, but
also have 2 partners on maternity leave at present so we're a bit stretched.
I guess in the future the arrangement will stop although both parties do
benefit. They know they can call on us any time, but that we will also be
there as pre-arranged; our workload tends to be concentrated into 1 or 2
sessions per week, rather than been called day after day as often happens
with other local NHs.
If they pull the retainer fee we'll stop our regular contact.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ruffles Stephen (5M3) Portland Medical Practice
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 26 February 2004 09:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Nursing home retainers
Any up to date views on these - retainer fees.
We have given exclusive care to a 40 bedded NH locally with an agreement for
a 1 session/week retainer fee.
New NH mananger and owner wants to stop this arrangement on basis that we
should do it all under our "TOS".
We feel we should gently withdraw ie decline to accept some new patients
from them - so that we may loosen the very close tie we had - which worked
well up to now. Our list is not closed. There is another practice in town
whose list is open.
Are we on dodgy ground?
Steve Ruffles
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