GPs get extra money to quiz patients before joining a practice in NHS bid stop health tourists
The Government aims to recover £500million from health tourists by next year
GPs will be given extra money to identify ineligible foreigners in a crackdown on health tourism.
Patients will be asked if they qualify for NHS care before joining a practice.
The data will then be logged and shared with hospitals, so they can bill overseas visitors.
This week ministers announced foreign patients will be charged up-front for NHS care unless their condition is life-threatening.
The Government aims to recover £500million from ineligible patients by next year.
Under the new contract announced yesterday, GPs will get an extra £5million to do eligibility checks.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “We’ve made it clear overseas visitors are welcome to use our NHS if they make a fair and proportionate contribution to it.”
He also warned practices that close mid-week will have funding slashed by up to £15,000.
And those that do not open 8am to 6.30pm throughout the working week will miss extra payments.
The new deal will boost annual reviews for OAPs and checks for those with learning difficulties.
GPs will also receive a one per cent pay rise and improved cover for sickness and parental leave.
The BMA welcomed the deal. But GPs’ committee chief Dr Chaand Nagpaul said they would not act as “border guards”.