For UK independent hospitals
Your hospital is recognised by insurers but PMI patients are still choosing someone else
Recognition alone does not drive referrals. PMI volumes across the independent sector have grown in recent years, and most of that growth is going to competitors who have invested in the right communications, digital presence, and GP relationships.
Two minutes. Solva follows up with specific PMI growth options.
- Declining or stagnant PMI patient referral rates despite overall market growth
- Increased patient acquisition costs due to reliance on less efficient channels
- Lower conversion rates from initial enquiries to booked appointments
- Competitors consistently appearing higher in patient search results or GP recommendations
- Underutilised theatre slots and bed capacity
- Increased administrative burden managing fragmented patient acquisition efforts
- Reduced revenue from a high-value patient segment
- Increased marketing spend with diminishing returns
- Perception as a less modern or accessible provider
- Loss of trust among potential patients and referring GPs
No verified UK data available for this specific claim. However, PMI-funded admissions increased by 6% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023 (PHIN, 2024).
Source: https://www.phin.org.uk/news/private-healthcare-market-update-September-2024-United-Kingdom-phin
Frequently asked questions
Why does this problem persist?
PMI patients are the most valuable segment for independent hospitals. Most hospitals under-invest in the communications, digital presence, and GP relationships that drive PMI patient choice.
What is the cost of leaving it unaddressed?
PMI patient volumes grew 6% between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024 (PHIN, 2024)
This is exactly what I do with UK private practices. Answer the few questions above and I'll come back personally with where to start. Paul.