General practitioner fundholding in the reformed National Health Service: a descriptive analysis.
Since 1991, general practitioners in Britain have been able to apply for fundholding status. This provides them with a budget allocation with which to purchase specialized care for their patients rather than using arrangements established by the District Health Authority. The article describes fundholding, and the arguments that support and oppose the initiative are rehearsed. These are then investigated in the context of treatment data. The article suggests that while some real benefits to patients have probably resulted from fundholding, these are limited due to the nature of the scheme and its domination by enthusiasts.
Anthony
P
P
National Health Service, Winchester, England.
D002017:Budgets; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration