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Last Update 25/04/12 |
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© Bedfordshire LOC 2009 |
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Untitled28Latest Referral Criteria for Cataract in Bedfordshire Choose and Book as of February 2005 Under instruction and guidance from the Department of Health, PCT’s, across the country, have had to incorporate “ a choice and booking system” for cataract referral at, ideally, the point of referral. Initially for patients the choice of referral is for two providers but this will increase to 4-5 by December 2005. This fast tracking approach has thrown many LOC’s and PCT’s across the country into turmoil as they come to terms with this directive. In our area, which covers the Strategic Health Authority of the counties of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, PCT’s have been struggling too. PCT’s in conjunction with local LOC’s have evolved a number of systems around the country satisfying local needs and the Department of Health. But also other PCT’s are unable yet to engage optometrists in the new referral pathways by a local agreement. Two of Bedfordshire’s PCT’s (Bedford and Heartlands) have, with the approval of the LOC, adopted a local cataract referral scheme. That leaves just Luton who have not yet engaged with the local LOC. There has been much debate about the requirements of these local arrangements and what remuneration should be given (if any) to optometrists. It is not my intention to go into this debate here except to say that broadly speaking two systems have evolved. One is purely administrative following an NHS examination. The other is administrative and clinical in that extra work over and above NHS requirements has to be undertaken or provided. Both systems will generally require remuneration although I have to say that some LOC’s are under pressure to make arrangements within the GOS contract. Needless to say these two systems account for the difference in remuneration around the country, as well as differences that are generated locally. The cataract referral scheme now under way in the PCT areas of Bedford and Heartlands is essentially administrative and this is reflected in the remuneration. Stuart Robinson Chairman Bedfordshire Local Optometric Committee
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