Southern Norfolk PCT
Background
It is only in exceptional circumstances that individuals or parents of children requiring a cochlear implant apply for funding directly to a PCT. It is usual for the cochlear implant programme to make the funding request.
In order for a child or adult to be considered for a cochlear implant assessment, a written letter of referral from the consultant otolaryngologist, audiological physician or a GP at their local practice should be sent to the consultant ENT surgeon or co-ordinator at the cochlear implant programme.
Advice
Cathal Daly is Head of Medicines Management at Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust and is responsible for assessing cochlear implant funding requests. Here he talks through what a PCT is looking for when those requests are made and how to put forward the very best case possible.
Funding for cochlear implants can be difficult to access for some PCTs and successful funding applications can be variable in different areas of the country for different reasons. Applications can often rely on a good relationship between the purchaser and funder (cochlear implant programme and PCT) and when a trust and understanding is built up between the two parties.
Answering all the questions up front and full disclosure can speed up the response procedure and remove any suspicion from funding applications. Meeting all the needs of funding managers makes it easier to agree finance.
Equity of care requires that PCTs have to treat funding applications for a wide range of procedures using the same standard process. So sticking to the standard approach expected is likely to stand a better chance of success.
A business case – a professionals' guide
PCTs are just like any other business and expect a viable business case to be presented to them when they are being asked for funding. Funding decisions must be seen to be commercially robust and applications for funding must take the form of a transparent and reasoned case.
The use of a proven standard business case template can often improve the case. If the appropriate information is presented in a clear and concise way, Funding Managers are more likely to understand and approve requests. And once you adopt a standard format, the preparation of applications will be quicker and easier.
For professionals interested in how to put forward a business case please email us.
Clinicians should always seek prior approval for referral before the referral is sent, this will reduce undue delay if a request for funding is postponed by the provider until the patient reaches the top of the waiting list and may unduly raise patient expections.
