Since our last blog post, the sector’s objections to our proposals for the 2015/16 national tariff reached the threshold requiring us either to re-consult with the sector or refer the issue to the CMA. We're deciding which option to take.
Meanwhile we welcome this demonstration of the sector’s growing involvement in the tariff and use of the mechanisms for shaping and challenging it. We also recognise that we must work closely with the sector in developing the national tariff for 2016/17 and beyond.
So this blog post outlines the process for developing proposals for the 2016/17 national tariff (which continues while we consider how best to resolve 2015/16), the 6 main work streams, and how to get involved in shaping them.
2016/17 national tariff process
We’ll be developing the 2016/17 national tariff in 3 phases during 2015/16 and we’ re keen to engage with the sector throughout. Sector feedback in each phase will be incorporated into the next one.
We value engagement with the sector at any time, but we particularly encourage you to contribute early on, during the Spring and Tariff Engagement Development phases.
Your feedback will help shape our work and the eventual proposals.
The 6 work streams
Our choice of work streams for the 2016/17 national tariff payment system is informed both by feedback from the previous year’s engagement as well as our desire and the sector’s appetite to speed progress towards including payment arrangements in future national tariffs that can help to realise the 'Five Year Forward View' and new models of care.
1. Increasing the transparency of the national tariff payment system
This is a cross cutting aim that informs all the work we are doing. It involves:
- wider engagement with the sector and sharing our thinking
- providing more information to help the sector understand and use the national tariff
- refining and publishing the models used to develop the national tariff
2. Reviewing adjustments to the national tariff payment system
Developing the national tariff involves a number of technical processes. As well as making sure the sector understands them all, we will look to review some and adjust them if need be.
3. Ensuring currencies and prices are clinically relevant
New ways to treat patients are being developed all the time. We want the national tariff to keep pace with changes in clinical practice to make sure currencies and prices remain clinically relevant.
4. Supporting the introduction of new models of care
The whole sector has recognised that new models of care are needed to meet the challenges of growing demand and a flat budget in real terms. The NHS 'Five Year Forward View' outlined a number of new models.
Monitor and NHS England have set out plans for how the payment system must change to realise the Forward View’s ambitions.
Working closely with integrated care pioneers and others, Monitor is continuing to explore payment approaches that may help the sector create the new models at scale and pace.
5. Developing payment approaches for mental health
The national tariff payment system can help to establish parity of esteem between physical and mental health services: we want to make sure it helps as much as possible.
6. Payment approaches for specialised services
Patients should have access to quality specialised services when they need them. We want the national tariff to support the delivery of specialised services.
How you can help shape the National Tariff Payment System
We are very keen to involve the sector in our work on the 2016/17 national tariff proposals and in developing future tariffs. But we realise this involvement mustn’t be a burden on you. Finding the right balance is a key consideration when we plan our engagement activities.
Over the coming weeks we will be finalising the details of the work Monitor and NHS England are planning. We will then meet with sector leaders and organisations to discuss the work streams and gather the sector’s views.
When we begin developing the Tariff Engagement Document, there will be further opportunities for you to give us your views on 2016/17 national tariff proposals.
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