BOA Statement on National Tariff – policy proposals for 2017/18 and 2018/19 (consultation closed)

NHS Improvement’s consultation on the ‘National Tariff Policy Proposals for 2017/18 and 2018/19’ has now closed.

The BOA response acknowledged NHS Improvement’s pragmatism in agreeing to limit price reductions to orthopaedics. Specifically, NHS Improvement limited the reductions in prices to 25% of that implied by their models, following discussions with the BOA and Orthopaedic Expert Working Group.

The BOA’s response also raised concerns that the remaining reduction in orthopaedic prices would create significant risk to patients. We fear waiting times may worsen if Trusts cannot provide sufficient cross-subsidy to orthopaedics, if independent sector activity slows, or Trusts choose to carry out fewer privately-paid-for procedures.

The BOA’s view is that deriving tariff based on unrepresentative and inadequately researched reference costs is flawed and unsustainable. Looking forward, we hope the Orthopaedic Expert Working Group, NHS Improvement, NHS England and NHS Digital can develop a more effective system to determine prices.

For more information please contact [email protected] .