MEDICAL who provide treatment for cancer patients met last night in Dublin to consider the latest VHI offer to consultants which has led to the reintroduction of "balance billing" by some specialists.
The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association (IHCA) anticipated that as many as 300 consultants in 12 specialities including oncology would be topping up their bills to VHI subscribers. This follows a reduction in VHI payments to consultants for procedures which have become easier to carry out because of advances in medical technology.
The IHCA general secretary, Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick, confirmed, however, that the oncologists were reserving their position pending a meeting with the VHI. "They find the VHI offer unacceptable. They are to meet with the VHI on April 21st when the issue of balance billing will arise. If there is not some agreement at that stage, there is a real danger of balance billing."
This stance was confirmed by the secretary of the group which represents the cancer specialists, Dr Des Carney, who said they would not be making any comment until all negotiations with the VHI had been completed.
It is understood that the VHI so plans to meet other special groups over the next month.
