National Specialty List/Treatment Function Codes
The National Speciality List comprises Main Specialty and Treatment Function Codes, both of which are used to report activity throughout the NHS.
Status
Additional new Treatment Function Codes were formally approved by the Information Standards Board (ISB) in August 2012, these were required to reflect changes to the Best Practice Tariffs for Payment by Results (PbR), Mental Health reporting and the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme.
Information Standards Notice (ISN) 17/2012 details these changes and builds upon the previous ISN (170/2010) which outlines the changes approved in January 2011.
Background
Main Speciality codes represent the specialty within which a Consultant is recognised or contracted to the organisation. They are used to report activity in relation to the type of professionals involved.
Treatment Function Codes represent the specialised service within which the patient is treated. They include most of the Main Specialties and, in addition, the approved sub-specialties, special interests and services provided by non-doctors and dentists. They are used to report activity in relation to the type of service provided.
Data Set Documentation
National Specialty List/Treatment Function Codes v2.6 - Changes (17/2012)
Changes to Treatment Function Codes are required to reflect changes to the Best Practice Tariffs for Payment by Results (PbR), Mental Health reporting and the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme.
Appendix 1a NSL TFCs v2.6 Specification [272kb]
Appendix 2 NSL TFC Human Behavioural [254kb]
Queries and Support
If you have any comments or questions regarding the data set or require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) through the Enquiries mailbox enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk (please include 'MS/TFC' in your subject line).
To ensure that the data set remains consistent with policy and is fit for purpose, there will be a formal process of review and change management put in place. Any proposed changes to Treatment Functions will need to be reviewed using the Eligibility Criteria. Any requests for changes should be forwarded to the HSCIC Enquiries mailbox using the change request form listed below.