We look at the options for CCGs in tackling the bigger, more challenging commissioning areas. This month we look at controlling referrals

With GP commissioning now centre stage, good quality data is more important than ever. Emma Wilkinson asks three experts how GPs can improve their use of data

Dr Michael Dixon, chair of the NHS Alliance, explains the opportunities for PBC as PCTs hive off their provider services

Editor Sue McNulty looks at the hot topic of the any willing provider contract

Lord Darzi outlined his plans for the quality agenda in his report last year and some of his initiatives are already under way – at least in pilot form. Emma Wilkinson takes a look at the developments that will have an effect on PBC

The announcement this month of the final 16 integrated care pilots has put ICOs in the limelight - but ICOs are about more than the pilots, as Dr Oliver Bernath explains.

Using techniques normally employed in manufacturing in PBC may seem off the wall, but it can help eliminate waste and improve patient care, says Dr Paresh Dawda

Funding an independent evaluation of a community eye clinic has given a PBC consortium the knowledge it needs to secure the service’s future. Debbie Singh and Dr Nav Chana explain how

PCTs face new checks on their commissioning abilities – including their support for PBC – under an assurance system launched last month. Practical Commissioning quizzed Dr David Jenner on what it all means for GPs. See how PCT performance will be measured in the factfile at the bottom of the article.

With the forthcoming Darzi review set to contain much about integrated care, Professor Chris Ham explains more about the concept and what the PBC opportunities are

One PBC consortium has been on a rollercoaster ride in its quest to set up a ‘community venture’ that could save a local hospital, as Dr Ruth Livingstone explains

It’s vital to check whether your project is achieving its aims – and evaluation is easier than you might think, says Dr Debbie Singh

So is the Government’s aim for all PCTs to come within the 10% range realistic? North-East Lincolnshire PCT has already got its within 5%. Rebecca Norris found out how they did it...

Sandy Briddon, consultant and lecturer in healthcare commissioning, takes a look at the complexities of moving towards fair shares budgets

Dr Donal Hynes explains how unbundling tariffs will help drive the move to shift care closer to home

A major overhaul of statin prescribing has freed up resources for new services in an east London PCT. Kiran Shah explains how teamwork was key to the scheme’s success

Self-care support is a vital resource that can reduce demand on health services, writes Jim Phillips.

Dr David Jenner explains what you need to know and do about the ‘last Mohican’ of central targets

Procurement and local incentive schemes are the two key areas GPs need to be aware of, writes Andrew Lockhart-Mirams

Five key themes have emerged from wave one of the PBC development programme run by the Improvement Foundation, write Jacquie White and Beverley Slater