A number of members have expressed concerns about the increased membership fees. An explanation has been set out in our letter dated 26 February 2010. For ease of discussion we set out a summary below:
1. FCPSA MEMBERSHIP FEE STRUCTURE 2010:
Total Costs for 121 Members
Dermatology Cost per Member
1.1
RPL Legal Challenge
0 *
0 *
1.2
SAPPF Annual Subscription
181 500
1 500
1.3
FCPSA Annual Subscription
181 500
1 500
1.4
HealthMan Annual Subscription
217 800
1 800
1.6
Project Fees
121 000
1 000
701 800
5 800
VAT @ 14%
98 252
812
TOTAL ANNUAL FEE
R 800 052
R 6 612
MONTHLY FEE
R 66 671
R 551
*Legal fees have already been recovered by the society
Brief comments in addition to the letter dated 26 February 2010:
1.1 RPL CHALLENGE
The RPL is the cornerstone of Private Practice in South Africa. SAMA chose not to challenge the 2009 RPL. This responsibility was assumed by the South African Private Practitioners Forum (SAPPF). The SAPPF legal challenge was heard in Gauteng North High Court on 22 and 23 February 2010. Judgement is expected in 2010. Had the SAPPF not pursued in this challenge, tariffs would have become
"Price Regulated" by the Department of Health. All Societies have agreed towards contributing R2000 per Specialist towards these legal costs.
1.2 SAPPF SUBSCRIPTION
The SAMA Private Practice Unit and the Specialist Private Practice Committees are defunct and these responsibilities have been assumed by the SAPPF. The costs per Specialist have been budgeted at R1000 per doctor which is well below the annual SAMA subscription of approximately R2600.
1.3 FCPSA ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
The FCPSA will interact with Funders and other stakeholders in the private sector to promote the interests of Physician groups. This will include the future RPL and a proposed new coding system for SA. Doctors working on specific projects within FCPSA will be paid an honorarium. The FCPSA is also represented on the SAPPF Board of Directors.
1.4 HEALTHMAN SUBSCRIPTION
This allows members full access to the HealthMan practice management services. The equivalent Spesnet services vary between R3000 and R7200. It also covers FCPSA costs to HealthMan to continue with practice cost and coding studies.
1.5 PROJECT FEES
These will allow the FCPSA to cover costs relating to a proposed new coding structure for South Africa. SAMA does not intend to contribute towards these costs. The alternative is to move towards the Public Sector UPFS system for private practice.
2. SUMMARY
\We fully understand that these are major increases in subscription. It is however necessary to ensure the survival of private practice in South Africa. If you are unhappy about specific aspects as set out above, we would appreciate it if you can address the relevant topic. Please send comments to Casper Venter at
casperv@healthman.co.za
The overpayment of January and February 2010 fees will be reflected as a credit on your account and be reversed. Debit orders will be adjusted accordingly and tax invoices will be sent to you shortly. The FCPSA will pay over all fees received on behalf of a 3rd party, ie SAPPF fee and the legal fee. Funds not utilised will be carried forward to 2011.
Johannesburg: Mr Casper Venter on (011) 340 9000 or fax (011) 782 0270
Cape Town: Mr Ernst Ackermann on (021) 864 2542 or fax (021) 873 7440 E-mail
the Healthman offices at queryphysician@healthman.co.za
