Referrals

18 week waits

When a patient is referred, assessed and advised further treatment, some patients have tried to exercise their choice to have the procedure carried out some time later.

GPs have then had the referral bounced back and told to re-refer nearer the time.  The reason often quoted is the 18 week wait target does not allow this to happen.

To me this seems nonsense.

Please see this letter I sent to the DoH and their helpful reply.

NFW August 09

Referral Management Schemes - Referral Incentive Schemes

GPs should not receive payment for reducing referrals. However, it is important that we look at our referral patterns and pathways constructively. This guidance helps you navigate and stay within the GMC Good Medical Practice code.

GPC - Advice on Referral Incentive Schemes

FS  Feb 09