In recent news, concerns have been raised about GP surgeries potentially earning nearly £1 billion from ‘ghost patients’. This could be the outcome of individuals who may no longer be part of the living population or have moved without updating their records. The Telegraph* reported on the issue, shedding light on the potential financial impact and the importance of accurate patient records. This situation not only poses a risk to the integrity of healthcare systems, but also prompts the need for robust record-keeping practices.
The challenge: discrepancies in patient numbers
The discrepancy is alarming—62.9 million patients registered with GP surgeries in England, compared to a population estimate of 57.1 million. GP practices are reimbursed based on the number of patients they have, receiving £164.64 per registered individual in the 2022-23 financial year. Resulting in a substantial financial gap of £955 million.
The issue at the core of this challenge is the need for up-to-date and accurate patient records. Inaccuracies in these records not only jeopardise funding but also hinder the ability to provide effective and targeted healthcare services. The integrity of patient data is crucial for the smooth functioning of the healthcare system.
Tools for auditing patient population lists
Recognising the importance of maintaining accurate patient records, Redcentric offers tools that can be instrumental in auditing patient population lists.
Redcentric’s HSCN connection facilitates the rapid transfer of patient data between NHS and commercial organisations, ensuring that information is up to date and accessible.
Our call analytics and clinical system integration provides insights into the frequency of calls and helps identify duplicate names and call logs. It also prompts call handlers to check the accuracy of patient information, including names, telephone numbers, addresses, and even ethnicity.
Redcentric’s solutions prioritise transparency and auditability, essential aspects for maintaining trust and ensuring that patient records stand up to scrutiny.
With the NHS planning assessments and potential audits in the future, GP surgeries need to be proactive in ensuring their patient records are in order. Redcentric emphasises the importance of having the right tools in place to audit patient population lists. This proactive approach not only safeguards against potential financial implications but also contributes to the overall efficiency of healthcare services.
Conclusion
In a landscape where accurate patient records are paramount, Redcentric stands as a partner committed to ensuring the integrity and reliability of healthcare data. The tools and services offered empower GP surgeries to face audits confidently, secure correct funding, and, most importantly, provide quality care to their patients.
Get in Touch
For GP surgeries looking to navigate the challenges of maintaining accurate patient records, Redcentric is here to help. Reach out and speak to Paul Tsang, Head of Communication Solutions who can provide his expert opinion on how to ensure you keep your records up to date.
View our video to discover the powerful capabilities of Redcentric’s healthcare telephony solutions.
*Resources
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/02/gp-surgeries-could-be-earning-almost-1-billion-from-ghost-p/
https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/patients-registered-at-a-gp-practice/august-2022/spotlight-report-august-2022
