The Royal College of Ophthalmologists responds to NHS Improvement’s consultation on national tariff changes
1 November 2018
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has published its response to NHS Improvement’s consultation on national tariff changes, which is now available to view publicly online – RCOphth Response: 2019/20 payment reform proposals
The response highlights how the current national tariff system adversely affects follow up patients. The College remains concerned with the continued process of front loading new outpatient payments, and calls for the system to revert to the original 10% level. The proposed reduction from 30% to 20% for the front loading of new outpatient payments in ophthalmology is welcomed but still falls short of the appropriate level.
There is strong evidence of patients coming to harm due to lack of appropriate follow up. With an ageing population, a 30-40% increase in outpatient activity is predicted over the next 20 years. Increased demand will require long term treatment and follow up care. If the current national tariff system continues as it stands there is a risk of adversely affecting vulnerable follow up patients with long-term chronic eye disease, potentially causing loss of vision.
Further reading
National Tariff Consultation June 2018 – RCOphth, RNIB, IGA and Macular Society collaborate on response https://curriculum.rcophth.ac.uk/2018/06/national-tariff-consultation-june-2018-rcophth-rnib-iga-and-macular-society-collaborate-on-responses/
APPG report on eye health capacity & demand ‘See the Light’ https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/health-professionals/appg-eye-capacity