News / Reference costs review
The Department of Health and the Audit Commission have launched a review of the reference cost collection process. The aims are to improve accuracy of submissions, increase the usefulness of information and provide greater confidence in the data underpinning payment by results.
The review will be split into two work streams covering quality and uses of cost data. As part of the quality work, the Audit Commission will review reference costs submissions for 2008/09 at 20 sample organisations (including one PCT provider). The review will also consider how patient level costing and information systems interact with reference costs.
The uses review will include a look at how the NHS uses reference cost data locally. The review will conclude in March 2010, with early findings influencing the 2009/10 cost collection.
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