Circular 19 of 2025: Provider Contracting Survey: Impact of DSP networks on healthcare delivery

The purpose of this circular is to inform stakeholders about a research study that the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is currently undertaking, in collaboration with Demacon Market Studies. Demacon has been appointed as the service provider who will be responsible for the survey roll-out, data analysis and presentation of the final report. Their appointment is until 30 June 2025.

The aim of the research is to:
• Undertake a survey that will assess how Designated Service Providers (DSP) networks impact healthcare delivery from the providers’ perspective. The focus is on transparency, care delivery, and impact on the provider market.
• Develop a framework for implementing value-based contracting within medical schemes based on the findings of the report.
• Draft guidelines for industry consultations on assessing contracting and DSP networks.

The survey questionnaire will not request the private information of providers, nor does it reveal sensitive information pertaining to providers, medical scheme beneficiaries, or medical schemes.

For more information, download the Circular here.