From January 2005, the NHS primary care trusts (PCT’s) have the authority to fund general practitioners’ referrals, made to independent clinics and qualified medical or health practitioners. Allergy, Nutrition and Environmental (Ecological) Medicine has recently been recognised as a medical speciality by the General Medical Council.

The guidance by the Department of Health is that:
i) a patient discusses with his/her GP possible treatment to an approved independent hospital, clinic or practitioner
ii) the referral is made and is copied to the local PCT
iii) PCT considers application for Out of Area Treatment (OAT)
iv) if approved, appropriate funds are allocated for the case
v) an initial consultation is arranged by the independent clinic as soon as confirmation is received.

Details of those costs which require NHS funding are available to General Practioners and Commissioniing Officers of Primary Care Trust, on request.

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