Some GP Practices have been approached by medical screening companies who screen bone density, aortic diameters, cholesterol and a number of other tests and procedures. We have been asked by practices whether they may do business with these companies. The answer is yes, you may but there are some issues you must be aware of and consider.
You must make a judgement about whether you think this is a useful service that is likely to be of benefit. (e.g. you would probably judge Ht, wt, BP , aortic diameter as being useful vascular risk factors but analysis of hair samples for allergies to be invalid and misleading.)
You must not give them your practice list. If you write to your patients to advertise this service you could be in breach of the Data Protection Act.
The best way forward is a local advertising or a non-list based mail shot to the local people.
We would recommend that you rent space to the company at a commercial rate rather than earn a "per patient" commission thus removing yourself from having a vested interest in "selling" to your patients.
FS jan 09
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