NHS Provider Numbers

    NHS provider numbers (Independant Provider Codes) were introduced to allow NHS patients to obtain complimentary healthcare via the NHS. The allocation of an NHS provider number does not mean that the complimentary health professional has any connection with the NHS.

    Some but not all Primary Care Trusts(PCT) have funding for the provision of complimentary medicine. Even though the provision is there in principle, many PCTs will not fund such referrals because they are under no obligation to do so.

    Anyone wishing to obtain a referral via the NHS and having difficulty could contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service(PALS) Co-ordinator at their local PCT and this may, or may not yield results. It might also be useful to contact the lay member of the PCT whose role is to represent the local population.