GP update on MSK provision by Healthshare. We are conscious that there have been questions raised about some aspects of the new MSK service. This update will address these questions particularly around imaging requests, Rheumatology appointments, and the arrangement of physiotherapy, the Pain clinic and consultant to consultant referrals. MSK Diagnostic requests. With the new Healthshare MATT service there has been a lot of correspondence about GP’s access to imaging as part of their patient’s clinical pathway. Plain x-rays These can be ordered by GPs through ICE as previously. 1.2 Limited MRI lumbar spine (to exclude malignancy and infection) GPs order through ICE as previously. Some MRI scans are listed on ICE as ‘limited access’ e.g. for thoracic spine and can be ordered after discussion with the Radiologist via e-mail as indicated on ICE 1.3 MRI knees: For patients less than 55 MRI can be ordered on ICE . For patients over 55 (with normal plain film): patients where it is felt the clinical pathway may include the need for MRI should be referred to Healthshare. They will assess the patient, organise the imaging where needed, act on the results and either treat the patient or refer on to secondary care . The same is true of full MRI of the lumbar spine. The Notable exceptions are MRI scans for potential bone malignancy which should be organised as part of the 2ww pathway. 1.4 MSK Ultrasound If MSK ultrasound is indicated as part of a clinical pathway the patient should be referred to Healthshare. They will assess the patient, arrange the imaging where needed, act on the results and either treat the patient or refer on to secondary care where appropriate. If a GP wants to order a MSK ultrasound refer to the independent provider (currently Global). Do not refer to OUH for MSK ultrasounds. As part of the clinical pathway for patients referred to them, Healthshare will arrange a range of diagnostics including plain x-ray, MRI, and ultrasound imaging, act on the result and treat the patients.
GP update on MSK provision by Healthshare. We are conscious that there have been questions raised about some aspects of the new MSK service. This update will address these questions particularly around imaging requests, Rheumatology appointments, and the arrangement of physiotherapy, the Pain clinic and consultant to consultant referrals. MSK Diagnostic requests. With the new Healthshare MATT service there has been a lot of correspondence about GP’s access to imaging as part of their patient’s clinical pathway. Plain x-rays These can be ordered by GPs through ICE as previously. 1.2 Limited MRI lumbar spine (to exclude malignancy and infection) GPs order through ICE as previously. Some MRI scans are listed on ICE as ‘limited access’ e.g. for thoracic spine and can be ordered after discussion with the Radiologist via e-mail as indicated on ICE 1.3 MRI knees: For patients less than 55 MRI can be ordered on ICE . For patients over 55 (with normal plain film): patients where it is felt the clinical pathway may include the need for MRI should be referred to Healthshare. They will assess the patient, organise the imaging where needed, act on the results and either treat the patient or refer on to secondary care . The same is true of full MRI of the lumbar spine. The Notable exceptions are MRI scans for potential bone malignancy which should be organised as part of the 2ww pathway. 1.4 MSK Ultrasound If MSK ultrasound is indicated as part of a clinical pathway the patient should be referred to Healthshare. They will assess the patient, arrange the imaging where needed, act on the results and either treat the patient or refer on to secondary care where appropriate. If a GP wants to order a MSK ultrasound refer to the independent provider (currently Global). Do not refer to OUH for MSK ultrasounds. As part of the clinical pathway for patients referred to them, Healthshare will arrange a range of diagnostics including plain x-ray, MRI, and ultrasound imaging, act on the result and treat the patients.
gp-update-on-msk-provision-by-healthshare.docx