Charges for radiology services

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A decision made (06.03.06) to approve the increase in charges for radiology services provided to patients by GPs.

Subject:	Charges for Radiology Services
Decision Reference:	MD-HSS-2006-0016		Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?			Report File ref:
Written report – Title	Radiology Services – Charges for GP Referrals
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Jason Turner Director of Finance and Information
Decision(s): To increase charges for radiology services provided to patients referred by general practitioners to  CT and MRI scans from £20 to £20.45
Reason(s) for decision: To increase the income recovered from providing these services in accordance with Treasury guidelines which set the rate for these increases to the lower of 2.5% and RPI. The charges are to increase by 2.25% or less, in line with the December 2005 increase in the retail price index.
Action required: Inform the Director of Finance and Information to increase these charges with effect from Monday 3rd April 2006.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision:

Charges for radiology services

Health and Social Services Department

Charges for Radiology Services

Background

The basis of the charges made to patients referred to Radiology for diagnostic procedures was revised last year and the charges reviewed in February 2005. The current charges are £15 for all procedures other than CT or MRI for which a charge of £20 per patient is made.

Proposals

Under Treasury guidelines increases in fees and charges are limited to 2.5% and the increase in the retail price index to December 2005 was 2.25%. For practical purposes it is necessary that the increases in the charges fees are rounded; accordingly it is proposed that the charges are raised with immediate effect to:

All procedures (other than CT and MRI) £15.30

CT and MRI scans £20.45

In order to minimise costs and bureaucracy, fees for this service are payable at the time of appointment; patients are made aware of this prior to their attendance.

Financial Implications

The proposed increase in charges will increase income by approximately £4,000 per annum.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Minister approves the increases in GP radiology charges referred to above, to be effective from 3rd April 2006.