GPs unable to refer patients for treatment due to NHS restrictions

At least once a month or more frequently, 70% of GPs are unable to refer a patient for further treatment on the NHS because the patient does not fit current PCT criteria for the procedure they require.

New research for BMI Healthcare from a survey by ComRes says that GPs ability to refer patients for further treatment on the NHS varies dramatically across the country. GPs from the South East Coast indicated the highest figure with 86% whilst those in Scotland recorded the lowest figure with 42%.

The inability to refer patients is one of the principal reasons behind one in four GPs saying they are more likely to instigate discussions about private healthcare options with their patients than they were 12 months ago.

Patients are also taking an active role in managing their healthcare, as one in three GPs say they have already seen an increase in patients asking about paying for care outside of the NHS.

Two thirds of GPs say an indicative price list for procedures would make them more likely to discuss with patients the option of paying for private treatment themselves. Whilst 55% want clear guidance on what NHS procedures are and are not available to their patients on the NHS.

Two thirds of GPs believe patients are considering paying for treatment because the desired procedure is no longer available to them on the NHS.

GPs also indicate other reasons why patients would consider paying:

• -Patients are generally less willing to wait for treatment (65%)
• -Patients are no longer eligible for the procedure under the NHS criteria (59%)
• -NHS waiting lists have got longer (56%)

GPs are facing increasingly difficult situations when referring patients, with procedures such as cataract surgery, IVF, physiotherapy, tonsillectomy and knee and hip replacements being heavily restricted or not available at all through many PCTs.

Mark Ferreira of BMI Healthcare says, “As the survey shows, there are a number of reasons why GPs are discussing with patients ways to access healthcare treatment outside of the NHS. GPs need to be aware of any restrictions or criteria in place for specific treatments and options for care.”