telephone consultations for RNS review

[lindajohns]

Hi
I am interested in information regarding "formal" telephone consultations. Whereby the pct is charged for the work of a hospital respiratory nurse consulting patients in the community via the phone rather than bringing them into the clinic. I was thinking of examples such as:-  asthma patients after an inpatient stay rather than bringing them back into clinic when they should be in work,reviewing their management over the phone or to advise patients that their sputum result indicates they have an infection and require antibiotics.This often then involves a fax to the G.P asking them to arrange for a prescription or trying to arrange for home IV antibiotics both of which can take time to arrange.
Has any one set this system up and if so what type of charges can be set for this work?.
Thank-you. Linda

[Robertdavids]

Sorry I cant help, but wanted to tell you it sounds like a fantastic idea

[Jenny]

I agree sounds like a great idea, but sorry I can't really help. I do this type of thing, but already employed by the PCT!

Have you tried contacting Commissioners in your local PCT, they should be able to put you in touch with the right person for helping to work out the correct tariff for this type of work.

[joea]

Hi Linda

I recall a presentation a couple of years ago by Hilary Pinnock (I think this was here name), a GP? who did a lot of work in this area. Am fairly sure I read something at last years winter BTS or ERS of the same subject.

We've done a small study around home monitoring using telehealth in COPD. It did reduce primary care contacts without increasing contact with the community COPD team? Not sure if any help.

Joe

Good luck