Local Tariff Variation and Ophthalmology Commissioning
20 April 2017
Recent changes in tariffs for out-patients in England favour payment for new patient over review appointments. These changes in the National Tariff Payment System for 2017/19 are final and are legally binding. However, using the freedom allowed in the National Tariff Payment System to use local tariff variation, CCGs and providers can modify the structure and level of tariff payments for outpatients to encourage good practice and patient safety.
The issue of review patients being at greater risk of losing vision and how to alleviate this risk was previously highlighted by the RCOphth. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) has been working with NHS England to promote the local tariff variation option for ophthalmology. NHS England is highlighting this to all CCGs and RCOphth is publishing Local Tariff Variation and Ophthalmology Commissioning to help those who wish to consider future changes to their local tariff structure.