Eligibility for hip and knee replacement 'could become more restricted'

People with joint conditions in three regions could soon find it more difficult to get access to knee andhip replacement surgery, due to planned changes in eligibility criteria. The choice by three clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to explore the idea has attracted criticism, as some believe this may suggest that CCGs are looking to change the scoring system used to decide which patients are suitable for these operations. As reported by the Health Service Journal, the Redditch and Bromsgrove, South Worcestershire, and Wyre Forest CCGs - all based in the West Midlands - are planning a reduction in the Oxford hip and knee score needed to qualify for surgery from 30 to 25, meaning operations will only be available for patients whosepain and disability is severe enough to impact their daily life andsleep habits. Additionally, only patients with a body mass index of less than 35 would be eligible for surgery unless they can demonstrate a ten per cent loss in weight, or if they are in danger of losing their independence or experiencing further joint destruction if surgery was delayed. This would reduce eligibility for hip andknee replacement surgeries by 12 and 19 per cent respectively, leading to budget savings of around£2.1 million per year. The Daily Mail has subsequently reported that other CCGs - including the Harrogate and Rural District, the Vale of York, South Coast Kent and Shropshire CCGs - are planning similar steps. The proposal has attracted criticism from the...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news