A freedom of information request sent by GP magazine to over 100 Primary Care Trusts in England has found that the majority are putting restrictions on certain non-urgent operations.
David Stout, deputy chief executive of the NHS confederation, says the NHS is under huge financial pressure and PCTs are making sure they get the "absolute best value" out of what funds are available.
He admits, however, that "there would be some advantages on greater consistency on what is offered".
Dr Richard Vautrey, deputy chairman of the BMA's GP committee, told the Today programme that GPs and patients "are not happy".
"They don't understand why services are available in one area and not the other," he told Evan Davis. "Patients need to be treated the same wherever they are in the UK."
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