Payments by results guidance
 A guidance document to help AHPs understand the implications of the new payments by results system is now available to radiography managers.
Written by the CSP, the professional body for phyisios, the workbook discusses the new funding system for the NHS in England and offers practical support for allied health professionals. Tariff-based funding was first flagged-up by the Department of Health three years ago.
A recent report from the Audit Commission describes the payment by results programme as “one of the most significant challenges facing the health service, requiring higher standards of financial management.” The AC concludes that the system offers major opportunities and incentives that will benefit everyone, but that it also carries major risks which, if not well managed, will lead to financial instability and service difficulties.
From the 2005/06 financial year the national tariff will apply to most activity in acute and specialist hospitals and almost all activity will be commissioned using cost and volume contracts. By 2008/09, trusts will need to have adjusted their financial arrangements to accommodate the new system.
Readers of TopTalk will remember that the PBR tariffs for imaging are the subject of debate and have been challenged by members of the National Diagnostic Imaging Board (NDIB). The fear is that unrepresentative tariffs will lead to underfunding of services. Work is continuing, in collaboration with Dr Erika Denton, the national clinical lead for diagnostic imaging, to ensure that the tariffs are more closely related to the real cost of providing services. There is expected to be a presentation of progress to the NDIB in February.
Click for a pdf copy of Payment by Results - The new funding system for the NHS in England: Practical support for Allied Health Professionals.
Back | Top
|
