Exclusive: Scrutiny of GP referrals has delayed care and breached patient confidentiality

Experts are urging GPs to be extra cautious when referring patients to referral management centres, due to concerns about costs and clinical care. A survey found that 62% of GPs felt the use of the centres undermined their professionalism and GP leaders have called for a review of whether the system represents value for money. It has also been reported that 32% of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) found errors had been made during the referral process.