GP contract proposals outlined

GP contract proposals outlined: Proposed changes to the GP contract have been outlined by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
The proposed changes will see GPs rewarded for earlier diagnosis and better care of dementia patients and putting a sharper focus on improving the lives of patients with long term conditions.

Jeremy Hunt said:

“Getting patients an earlier diagnosis of dementia and supporting those with long term conditions are my main priorities. I want GPs to take the lead in making this happen.
“Our proposals will make sure we support the patients most in need and will help save lives in practices across the country. We believe GPs can and will rise to these new challenges.
“We have listened to, responded to and fully considered alternative proposals put forward by the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee. In the absence of an agreed settlement, it is reasonable to consult on the proposed changes needed to make sure improvements in patient care will follow.”

The British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee and other primary care organisations now have until the 26 February 2013 to respond to the government’s proposals. A consultation on the changes was launched after a negotiated settlement could not be agreed following a series of discussions between the British Medical Association and NHS Employers. Read the General Medical Services contractual changes 2013/2014 letter.

Main new changes proposed in the consultation letter

• the minimum practice income guarantee will be phased out over seven years as part of the contract

• any overall increase in the value of GP contract payments, which will be decided following recommendations from the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body in February, will be distributed in a way that gives some increase to all GP practices but is targeted towards those with less current funding per patient

• all NICE recommendations for new and improved indicators to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) will be implemented in full

• QOF reward thresholds will be increased so that more patients benefit from the best evidenced care that can help to save lives

• organisational QOF payments will be discontinued releasing £164m which will be used to help fund improvements in patient care through the implementation of all the NICE recommended changes and the commissioning of extra services from GP practices.

The extra services to be commissioned from GP practices will cover:

•  improving the assessment of people with dementia

• improving care management for frail older people and other high risk patients at risk of unplanned hospital admissions

• using technology to help monitor the health of people with long term conditions and improving online access to services.

• this means GPs will be delivering more to retain the money they were getting under the old organisational indicators. The NHS Commissioning Board will develop more detailed specifications for these new schemes.

The Department of Health is proposing investment of up to £10 million annually (depending on take up) to GP practices for 2 new vaccination programmes for rotavirus and shingles.
See the documents:

• annex B: General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements Directions 2013
• summary of QOF indicators
• annex C: The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) Directions 2013
• see the press release: Thousands of patients with long term conditions and dementia could benefit as GP contract proposals are unveiled