Description
The speaker, Ashley Cole, discusses the concept of best practice tariffs in healthcare, clarifying that they are not additional funds but rather a mechanism to incentivize quality care. He explains how tariffs are adjusted to ensure that hospitals receive a higher payment if they meet certain standards, while failing to meet these standards results in lower payments. Specific examples are provided, such as a best practice tariff for hip and femoral fractures in patients over 60, which promises additional payment contingent on fulfilling seven criteria.
Cole also covers the distinctions between specialized and non-specialized commissioning in orthopedics, highlighting that specialized procedures are nationally commissioned while non-specialized ones are managed by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). He notes the need for centralized surgical services, particularly for complex cases, while expressing concern over the phasing out of top-up payments, which have historically provided additional funding for specialized services. The talk ends with an invitation for questions and highlights the ongoing changes in funding practices within the NHS.