First annual congress of the Faculty of Consulting Physicians of South Africa, 18–20 May 2012

The specialist physician has always played a pivotal role in the healthcare of South Africans. Following specialisation, either through the College of Medicine or a Master's of Medicine obtained from a university, many of these doctors have branched out into the private sector and continue to play a vital role in the management of patients. The total number of specialist physicians registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in both the public and private sector is fewer than 600 and these doctors provide specialist healthcare for a population of over 40 million people. Over the past four decades there has been a major 'brain drain' of academic and private physicians to North America, Australia and New Zealand and this resultant shortage of specialists places an enormous burden on those who have remained in South Africa. Due to the burgeoning epidemic of HIV and AIDS in our country, patients with AIDS-associated conditions have swamped medical admission wards, placing a huge load on clinicians. The increase in prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in our previously disadvantage populations has also contributed to an increased work load as our population undergoes epidemiological transition from famine and pestilence to degenerative and man-made disease. South Africa now has the distinction of having one of the most obese populations in the world. All private-practice doctors are required to be registered with the HPCSA as well as the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), who are responsible for issuing MP and private practice numbers, respectively. The latter is known as the practice code numbering system (PCNS). The HPCSA, a statutory body, established in terms of the Health Professions Act No. 56, is committed to serving and protecting the public. It regulates the health profession in aspects pertaining to registration, education and training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, continuing professional development, and fostering compliance with healthcare standards. Neither of these organisations is involved in, or has the interests of the private practitioner at heart. This is the role of the various professional associations. Previously, as far as consulting physicians were concerned, matters relating to cost coding for medical services, procedures and the introduction of new codes were the responsibility of the private practice committee of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and in particular the Association of Physicians. Due to the political milieu of South Africa prior to the abolition …