A recent GP study has reported that 9 in 10 local health authorities were imposing restraints on at least one treatment deemed to be either ‘non-urgent’ or of ‘low clinical value’. According to a survey of 682 family doctors by GP magazine there are still widespread treatment bans in place. 35 per cent of GPs said that the health authorities or commissioners were restricting access in an effort to reduce costs. The GPs who responded to the survey said that they were having to “fob off” patients. Certain treatments are particularly affected including hernia operations, IVF, varicose vein removal and hip and knee replacements.
As reported in the Daily Telegraph, some GP practices were not imposing blanket bans making it more and more difficult for patients to qualify for treatment, for example by raising the threshold of pain and immobility needed to qualify for a joint replacement.
However, the Department of Health are saying that if patients need treatment, “They should get it when they want it and where they want it,” and go on to say, “If local health bodies stop patients from having treatments on the basis of cost alone, we will take action against them.”
Source- Telegraph
