Bupa defends open referrals

Bupa has hailed its controversial open referral system as a success and claimed last month that eight out of ten renewing clients are electing to use the service. In a statement the insurer said: Bupa launched open referrals as an option for corporate clients in late 2011. The process ensures that members have access to high quality, affordable healthcare and provides a guarantee that there will be no surprise shortfalls. We normally provide members with a choice of two to three consultants offering good care at a convenient location. Sometimes this will vary depending on where a member lives and the number of appropriate consultants available locally. This gives our members more choice rather than being referred to a single consultant by a GP.