PAH Works with Local Commissioners to Determine a New Tariff for Breast Cancer Test

A local HRG tariff developed between The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and the Commissioners at NHS West Essex to cost an innovative new cancer diagnostic procedure is likely to be rolled out nationally.

The hospital, one of only three nationally involved in a niche technology adoption scheme, has implemented a sophisticated new test to detect the spread of breast cancer in a single operation with many clear clinical benefits for the patient. 

In addition to the implementation, part of the hospital’s local remit has been to overcome financial barriers where there is a perverse financial disincentive for the Trust to implement the test due to lost income from the saved second operation by PBR yet a financial gain to the PCT by not performing a second operation. Determining and agreeing individual cost elements, a revised local tariff and pass through payment has established a financial model to introduce this new technology in other Trusts.

A national commitment has been given to implementing the procedure across the Country by 2012. The tariff determined locally in Harlow will be used as a national benchmark to enable Providers and Commissioners to correctly charge for this work.

Dr Jolanta McKenzie, Clinical Director for Cancer and Core Services, said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in the programme to introduce this very sophisticated test. It really is a fantastic innovation for the NHS. Equally, the opportunity to be involved with colleagues in the PCT to overcome adoption barriers to adoption of new technology for breast cancer patients has been enlightening and rewarding.”

More importantly, although working with PCT colleagues to price this new test has been very resource intensive, to price a new test that is likely to be rolled out across is a heartening feeling.”

The Trust is one of 3 sites in the South of England to introduce this new technology. The intention is to roll it out nationally using The Princess Alexandra Hospital as an example of best practice.