MSE News: GPs to be banned from using premium rate phone lines

Heinz

poppy10 wrote: »

03 numbers perform the same function as 0844 numbers, but cost the same as 01/02 numbers, and are included in inclusive minutes packages.

But they don't perform the same function - they don't allow revenue sharing - and that's the part the GPs like.

DonnyDave

poppy10 wrote: »

Why did you only use half of my quote? The argument about whether 0844 calls should be cheaper or not is moot. The point is there is no reason for public bodies like NHS GP practices to use 0844 numbers at all.

I used the part of your quote that I wished to respond to. Dr Vautrey makes comments calling on 0844 numbers to be made chargeable on the same terms as 01/02/03 numbers whilst still supporting the enhanced revenue payments from those providers. My point was drawing attention to how ridiculous this suggestion is.

molerat

Farway wrote: »

No, we pay it for you :mad:

Well thankyou very much indeed.

molerat

pinkfluffybabe wrote: »

Bull - we prioritise our spending on health to provide cheap prescriptions and free parking so as to not tax the sick.

I forgot about the cheap (and getting cheaper each year) precriptions and of course the free eye tests. My doctor and hospitals both use geographic numbers as well. I suppose Alec is of some use :rolleyes:

poppy10_2

Bumping following pm

The situation has only gotten worse over the last two years, the few GP surgeries that were still using geographic numbers have now also switched to revenue-sharing 0844 numbers, and none of them have switched to 03 numbers as Ofcom and the Government had been asking.

DonnyDave

A few GPs have moved away from 084 numbers, but others have jumped on the bandwagon.

Last month, it was stated in Parliament that "It is absolutely clear that there is no distinction between landlines, mobiles or payphones. The directions are very clear that patients should not expect to be charged any more."

Despite this, the BMA continues to support the idea that patients should pay more. It put out a guidance bulletin on this subject only last month and it says "What do the regulations say about calls from mobile phones? The regulations do not include any specific requirement for practices to consider the cost of calls from mobile phones."

silv.surfer

I have just left a Comment on their NHS Choices site to the effect that I was charged £3 to make an Appointment and that it is not a lo-call or local and is not included in any Call Plans and that it is in Breach of NHS Contracts - but have a look in couple of days - I Bet it wont be there. It wouldn't suit their Image :mad: :xmassign: :beer:

JohalaReewi

poppy10 wrote: »

Deliberately misleading and disingenous nonsense from the GP spokesman there. First of all to suggest that his surgery's 0844 number costs 'no more than a local call' is misleading, there are no local call rates anymore, local calls cost the same as national calls on BT landlines.

When I make a call to a local number it either costs me nothing (0p) or a flat rate 5p regardless of duration. When I call 0844 it costs a lot more. So by this argument, 0844 numbers should be banned.

silv.surfer

Update on my post a couple up - My Comment is on Dr Vautrey's Meanwood Practice site (got the right name ) - I didnt think they would allow it because it doesnt suit their Image and as I hadnt heard from Choices for verification of email I didnt think it would go up - I would put a link here but dont know how to - but if you find their site I think I have put all you would want to say :j- dont know how long it will stay on show - watch that space.

Heinz

silv.surfer wrote: »

Update on my post a couple up - My Comment is on Dr Vautrey's Meanwood Practice site (got the right name ) - I didnt think they would allow it because it doesnt suit their Image and as I hadnt heard from Choices for verification of email I didnt think it would go up - I would put a link here but dont know how to - but if you find their site I think I have put all you would want to say :j- dont know how long it will stay on show - watch that space.

It's still there at the moment.

http://www.meanwoodgrouppractice.co.uk/your_views_20.html

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Name: Pat[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Email: [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Welcome Page: [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Country: [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Date: 3 Nov 2011 02:18:57 GMT[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Comment: I object to being charged while on hold on your 0844 number, my Appointment call cost me £3.55p. This number is in Breach of NHS Contract. and is not included in Any Call Plans, and there should be no more encouragement for other GPs to follow your Practice's lead. I bet this will be removed because Patients dont realise how much they are paying to phone. This ir Not a Lo-call or local Rated Number [/FONT]

AIUI, it's the PCT's responsibility to enforce GPs' contracts (one aspect of which is NOT to use such numbers).

Clearly, they are failing in their duty.