NHS bosses are to trawl medical records of tens of thousands of patients to find out who is costing them the most money.
They will identify which individuals frequently see their GP, go to A&E or are on lots of prescription drugs with a view to ‘reviewing’ their care, and trimming their budget.
Patients are not being asked for permission and can opt out only by making a specific request at their surgery. The controversial scheme will begin next month in Southend, Essex, and involve 175,000 patients, although it could be rolled out across other areas.
If you are vulnerable, ill, old or in need – they’re gonna HUNT you down.
