PCTs criticised over IM+T DES ruling

GP representatives claim PCTs are acting incorrectly by setting a minimum number of records that have to be electronically summarised before GPs can qualify for payments under the IM&T directed enhanced service (DES).

The BMA’s General Practitioner Committee (GPC) says some PCTs have stated that a minimum amount of records must be electronically summarised to meet the paperlight accreditation requirement of the DES and earn component two of the DES.

The GPC argues that the introduction of a minimum rate is contrary to the Good Practice Guidelines agreed by the Department of Health with the GPC and the RCGP.

The committee said it also believed that PCOs could not make retrospective decisions about aspects of the DES once it has begun.

The GPC said criteria for the DES should have been agreed in consultation with the LMC and in line with the published DES requirements and that PCTs could not enforce the introduction of any mandatory minimum.

Dr Richard Vautrey, a GP in Leeds and deputy chairman of the GPC, told EHI Primary Care that the DES does not specify a minimum number of records that must be summarised electronically.

He added: “It is inappropriate for PCTs to do this. They should follow the guidance for the DES which has been very successfully implemented by the vast majority of PCTs. All practices should be treated fairly in line with the DES as it stands.”