GPs inEnglandwill be paid £20 each time they decide not to send a patient to hospital under a government scheme to help reduce the NHS waiting list.Family doctors will be able to claim the money if they instead seek advice from a hospital doctor or specialist before a decision is taken about referring patients for tests and treatment in an out-of-hospital setting, such as a health clinic, or to see a community-based specialist.An estimated 2 million patients a year, many with common conditions such as ear wax, tinnitus and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), could get faster care because of the initiative, ministers say.It could also help women with menopausal symptoms avoid joining the already 580,000-strong waiting list for care from overloadedNHSgynaecological services.NHS England has allocated £80m to fund an expansion of the existing “advice and guidance” scheme so that it covers all of England from this month onwards.Ministers hope that it will help reduce the size of the waiting list for planned hospital care – under which 6.24 million patients are waiting for 7.4m appointments, tests or operations – by diverting many of those who would usually join that list to get their care elsewhere.Over time that should help reduce the headline size of the “referral to treatment” queue for hospital-based care by increasing the number of patients treated elsewhere, as they will therefore not be added to the waiting list total.If family doctors start liaising much more frequently with hospital consultants about what form care should take then it should also help the government fulfil one of the “three big shifts” in healthcare it has promised – moving a lot of care out of hospitals into community settings.From now onGPswill be able to claim a £20 payment for their surgery if, for example, after an initial consultation and then speaking to a hospital doctor, they refer someone with IBS to a community-based dietician instead of their local hospital for an investigation and treatment.At the moment almost 400,000 people of the 7.4 million on the waiting list are waiting to be seen by a hospital specialist because they have a problem with their digestive system.Karin Smyth, the minister for NHS reform at the Department ofHealthand Social Care, said: “By caring for patients closer to home, we save time and stop masses of people having to head to hospital for unnecessary appointments in the first place.“We are rewiring the NHS so that we are doing things differently, more efficiently and delivering better outcomes for patients. The scheme is a perfect example of how we are saving patients time and reducing pressure on key NHS services in the process.”Women going through menopause would also be able to get advice on the best form of hormone replacement therapy in a community facility, as would those with ear, nose and throat conditions – such as ear wax and ear infections – who make up 30% of all referrals to hospital.The British Medical Association, the doctors’ union, negotiated the £20-a-head deal with ministers. It said the plan would reward GPs better for taking more responsibility for their patients’ health.After years of lack of investment in general practice, “this is an important small step in acknowledging the important role of the GP and supporting practices to deliver enhanced care to patients in the community”, said Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, the chair of the BMA’s GPs committee in England.However, Beccy Baird, a senior fellow at the King’s Fund thinktank, said the approach could have some “unintended consequences” affecting patients and GPs.“Unintended consequences of advice and guidance include potential delays in referral for patients and increased administrative burden for both general practice and secondary [hospital] care,” she said.It could also lengthen the time it takes a patient who needs hospital care finally getting it, if they are first diverted to another service, she added.“For some there is a possibility [that] it is just adding an extra step in the process and therefore delaying their treatment in secondary care”.The headline and text of this article was amended on 17 April 2025 to clarify the basis on which GPs can claim the £20.
GPs in England will be able to claim £20 per new patient for seeking specialist advice
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New NHS Scheme Offers GPs £20 for Seeking Specialist Advice Before Referrals"
The Guardian
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
General practitioners (GPs) in England will now receive a £20 payment each time they opt to seek specialist advice instead of directly referring a patient to a hospital under a new government initiative aimed at alleviating NHS waiting lists. This program is expected to benefit an estimated 2 million patients annually, particularly those with common conditions such as ear wax, tinnitus, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), by facilitating quicker access to care in alternative settings like health clinics or through community-based specialists. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the current backlog of 6.24 million patients waiting for hospital appointments, tests, or surgeries, by redirecting care away from hospitals and into the community, thereby easing the strain on NHS resources. The government has allocated £80 million to expand the existing “advice and guidance” scheme throughout England, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
This new payment structure is designed to encourage GPs to take a more proactive role in managing their patients' health. For example, if a GP consults with a hospital doctor and subsequently refers an IBS patient to a community dietician instead of a hospital for further investigation, they can claim the £20 payment. The British Medical Association (BMA) has supported this initiative, recognizing it as a step toward better compensation for GPs and their critical role in patient care. However, some experts have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences, including possible delays in patient referrals and increased administrative burdens on healthcare providers. Critics argue that while the scheme aims to streamline care, it may inadvertently complicate the referral process, potentially prolonging the time it takes for patients who do require hospital treatment to receive it. Overall, this initiative reflects the government's commitment to transforming NHS operations and ensuring that patients receive timely care closer to home.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article outlines a new government initiative in England allowing General Practitioners (GPs) to claim £20 for each new patient when they seek specialist advice instead of directly referring them to hospitals. This move aims to alleviate NHS waiting lists and enhance the patient care process by enabling faster access to treatment for various common conditions.
Purpose of the Initiative
One of the primary goals of this initiative is to reduce the burden on NHS hospital services. With over 6 million patients waiting for treatments and appointments, this program seeks to redirect care to community settings, thus hopefully decreasing the overall waiting list. By incentivizing GPs to consult specialists before making referrals, the government aims to streamline the process and provide more timely care to patients, particularly those suffering from conditions that do not necessarily require hospital-level intervention.
Public Perception
The government likely intends to foster a perception of proactive healthcare management. By emphasizing the initiative as a means to expedite care for millions of patients, the narrative aims to reassure the public about the government's commitment to improving NHS services. This could enhance the government's image as responsive to healthcare challenges, especially in light of the ongoing pressures faced by the NHS.
Potential Concealed Information
While the initiative promotes quicker access to care, it might obscure deeper systemic issues within the NHS, such as chronic underfunding and staffing shortages. The focus on diverting patients away from hospitals may also distract from the need for comprehensive reforms to improve hospital services. The potential complications arising from insufficient support for GPs in managing more complex cases could also be a concern that is not fully addressed.
Reliability of Information
The information presented is grounded in a government-backed initiative, suggesting a degree of credibility. However, the effectiveness of such schemes often depends on execution, resource allocation, and local implementation. The potential for manipulation lies in how the initiative is framed; while it aims to reduce waiting lists, the underlying issues that contribute to those lists may remain unaddressed.
Comparative Context
In relation to other healthcare news, this initiative aligns with broader trends toward decentralizing healthcare delivery, which has been a focus in many countries. However, a critical examination reveals that merely shifting care to community settings does not guarantee quality or accessibility, indicating a need for ongoing scrutiny of healthcare policies.
Impact on Society and Economy
If successful, this initiative could lead to reduced waiting times and improved health outcomes, thereby enhancing public trust in the NHS. Economically, it may alleviate some pressure on hospital resources, potentially allowing for better allocation of funds. However, if it results in inadequate care management, it could lead to a backlog of untreated patients, ultimately worsening the situation.
Target Audience
This initiative seems aimed at multiple demographics, including patients experiencing common health issues and healthcare professionals seeking to improve patient outcomes. It also appeals to the general public concerned about NHS efficiency and waiting times.
Market Implications
The news could positively influence healthcare-related stocks if the initiative is perceived as an effective strategy to enhance NHS efficiency. Companies involved in community health services or telemedicine may see increased interest and investment as a result.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the initiative itself is a national policy, it reflects broader trends in healthcare management that could resonate internationally, especially in countries facing similar challenges with public health systems.
AI Involvement
The article does not explicitly indicate the use of AI in its writing; however, AI models could have assisted in drafting or generating data insights. The structured presentation of information suggests a clear intent to communicate the initiative's benefits effectively, indicating potential AI influence in shaping the narrative. In conclusion, while the initiative appears to be a positive step toward improving patient care within the NHS, it is essential to remain vigilant regarding its implementation and the broader context of healthcare challenges. The reliability of the information is decent, but the implications of such a policy warrant further examination as it unfolds.