How is PBC different to GP fund-holding?
Answer PBC is not fund-holding. The 1997 NHS White Paper made it clear that we wanted to “extend to all patients, the benefits, but not the disadvantages of GP fund-holding.” Subsequently, there are key differences between PBC and fund holding: i. PBC is less bureaucratic. Fund-holding was bureaucratic. PCTs will continue to deal with the administration ie. contracting, payments etc which should mean limited additional bureaucracy. ii. PBC is centred on improving patient care. Savings from fund-holding did not have to be spent directly on patient care. Under PBC all proposals for savings must be agreed at the outset and must be spend on patient services. iii. PBC is more equitable. Fund-holding practices received more funding than non-fund-holding practices, leading to an inequitable distribution of resources. Under PBC, practices not taking up PBC will not receive proportionally less funds. iv. PBC is focused on quality, not price. Fund-holding GPs could negotiate the cheapest price f
