What Pathologist 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.
- 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.
