On 03/07/98 04:08:38,  "Paul Attwood" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>As for chronic disease I would be surprised. From PACT data my average cost
>is higher but I prescribe less. Maybe targetting is better? What say you
>Ahmad?

Ditto here.  I would suggest that it is a combination of targetting and
rational thoughtful prescribing plus the ability to withstand pressure
>from patients.

>>Whilst there are GP's like yourself for the Health Authority to quote as
>being good and careful prescribers, there isn't a hope for the rest of us to ge>>t a fair drug budget:-(  

>So now the sh*t is being laid at the doorstep at those who have low costs at
>least in prescribing? Might it be that those who prescribe less refer more?
>When marked against four colleagues in a FH group I certainly was in the
>upper 50%. Might it even out?

Didn't really understand Jeremy's comment about the unfairness of it so
did not respond.  Like Paul says,  am I to be penalised for being a
rational prescriber?  All I know is that I got 3,000 pounds last year as
an incentive without really trying or altering my habits.

My formulary contains about 200 odd drugs,  if that.  Incidentally,  200
drugs is what the WHO recommends as essential drugs.

Those of tou old enough to remember something called the 'Rational Drugs
Campaign' in the early 80s might remember the name Risk tucked away in
the archives :-)

By the way,  I am also a low referrer.  I put this down to trusting my
instinct,  knowing my patients and less fear about sticking one's neck
out.

>>Jeremy (expecting lots of RCGP flak for this) Sager
>
>Sorry Jeremy never have been RCGP and never will. Just have a curious nature
>and always keen on a new challenge except this PCG crap.

Same here.

Ahmad

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr Ahmad Risk
http://www.cybermedic.org
Chairman British Healthcare Internet Association <http://www.bhia.org>
Director Internet Healthcare Coalition - USA <http://www.ihc.net>

Home: +44 1273 724866/748198
Work: +44(1737)240022  Fax: +44 1737 244660


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