http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/321/7260/563.pdf

Over 12 million people in the United Kingdom are covered for private health care. The private sector already provides many services for the National Health System (NHS), such a psychiatric care and long term residential care for people with learning disabilities.Specialists practicing privately are reimbursed on a fee for service basis, so there is a strong financial incentive to investigate and treat patients. Some insurers have made important moves to open dialogue with medical consultants about the nature and quality of care offered to insured patients, and this is made easier through the preferred provider mechanism. (Au)