What pathologists do?
What has the National Pathology Group (NPG) done for you?
The efforts of the NPG have been directed towards positive intervention in the following areas: utilisation, ethics, information, standards of laboratory practice.
The NPG represents almost all private pathology laboratories in South Africa (215 members).It is the official subgroup of the SAMA, representing pathology
The NPG acts as a conduit for communication between interested parties, such as the Board of Healthcare Funders, and its members.
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Utilisation
Utilisation of laboratory services is driven by the CLINICAL DOCTOR, either a GP or a specialist physician, who is privy to the patient's complaints and clinical condition.
- Request form design standardisation.
- Specific prescription of restriction on tests
- Specific guidelines for test protocols.
- Standardisation of billing protocols.
- Group tests, prescription of those acceptable.
- Publishes clinical guides to laboratory utilisation and clinical investigative protocols.
- Published The Guide to Utilisation for pathologist members and funders.
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Ethics
- A Code of Conduct was drawn up in consultation with Profs. SA Strauss, UNISA & Von Oosten, UP.
- Interaction with Medical and Dental Professions Board regarding ethical issues.
- Works with HPCSA on pathology issues and point of care issues.
- Proposed and supported request that pathology becomes a pure referral speciality.
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Information
- Submits detailed annual information to Funders regarding pathology practice.
- Submits pathology accounts to funders on EDI.
- Members publish current antibiotic sensitivities
- Members partake in infection control protocols.
-
Standards of laboratory practice
- The NPG encourages SANAS accreditation of laboratory standards to international levels.
What has the National Pathology Group (NPG) done for you?
The efforts of the NPG have been directed towards positive intervention in the following areas: utilisation, ethics, information, standards of laboratory practice.
The NPG represents almost all private pathology laboratories in South Africa (215 members).It is the official subgroup of the SAMA, representing pathology
The NPG acts as a conduit for communication between interested parties, such as the Board of Healthcare Funders, and its members.
-
Utilisation
Utilisation of laboratory services is driven by the CLINICAL DOCTOR, either a GP or a specialist physician, who is privy to the patient's complaints and clinical condition.
- Request form design standardisation.
- Specific prescription of restriction on tests
- Specific guidelines for test protocols.
- Standardisation of billing protocols.
- Group tests, prescription of those acceptable.
- Publishes clinical guides to laboratory utilisation and clinical investigative protocols.
- Published The Guide to Utilisation for pathologist members and funders.
-
Ethics
- A Code of Conduct was drawn up in consultation with Profs. SA Strauss, UNISA & Von Oosten, UP.
- Interaction with Medical and Dental Professions Board regarding ethical issues.
- Works with HPCSA on pathology issues and point of care issues.
- Proposed and supported request that pathology becomes a pure referral speciality.
-
Information
- Submits detailed annual information to Funders regarding pathology practice.
- Submits pathology accounts to funders on EDI.
- Members publish current antibiotic sensitivities
- Members partake in infection control protocols.
-
Standards of laboratory practice
- The NPG encourages SANAS accreditation of laboratory standards to international levels.