referrers

Investigation by The Sunday Times: A Closer Look at Clinic Kickbacks

Over the past decade, an alarming trend has emerged where clinics have been compensating doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and similar professionals, urging them to preferentially recommend their services. Numerous agencies that seemingly offer a comprehensive directory of clinics nationwide are, in actuality, only referring patients to clinics that engage in these illicit pay-for-referral practices.

In 2018, The Sunday Times conducted an in-depth investigation into this unethical practice. The newspaper’s journalists posed as representatives of a newly established clinic willing to pay for client referrals, thereby uncovering the extent of the backdoor dealings within the industry.

According to the exposé, a broker involved with a national private mental hospital group candidly admitted to taking a significant 25% cut from patients’ hefty monthly fees, which often exceeded £20,000. Disturbingly, he acknowledged that he deliberately concealed these financial arrangements from the patients and their families, as he was aware they would frown upon such dealings. If questioned, he would misleadingly assert that he was on a retainer from the clinics.

This broker portrayed his service as an “independent information service” for individuals seeking private addiction treatment within the UK and internationally. While he asserted that his recommendations were impartial and based on the specific needs of the patients, leveraging his industry knowledge, the reality was far from it. He was more than willing to favour the undercover journalists’ fictitious clinic if they offered him a larger cut than his current associates did.

“I’m a very straight talker,” the broker stated unapologetically. “If the referral fee is 30%, your clinic will definitely receive more referrals from us.”

Given this clandestine yet pervasive practice, it has become imperative for prospective patients to diligently investigate whether clinics are involved in these pay-for-referral schemes before committing to their services. This inquiry should also extend to trusted healthcare professionals, including your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist, who may, unfortunately, be part of these unscrupulous networks.

It is disheartening to think that practices once deemed unthinkable are now occurring on a widespread basis, undermining the integrity of the healthcare sector and eroding the sacred trust between patients and providers. Vigilance and awareness are crucial in navigating this murky landscape, ensuring that the care you receive is not only appropriate but also genuinely in your best interest.