Practice claims victory in battle against PCT

A Sussex practice is claiming victory against its primary care trust following allegations of overpayment for General Ophthalmic Services.

Armstrong Opticians has fought a long battle with West Sussex PCT after it accused the practice of overclaiming after an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service. Armstrong Opicians claims the PCT went on to instigate a heavy-handed campaign against the practice when it rejected the accusation.

Armstrong Opticians refused to pay West Sussex PCT an 'extrapolated' sum of £9,805.87, a figure the practice's solicitor claimed the PCT had 'no justification or basis for claiming'. The PCT arrived at the figure by extrapolating £871.33 by 10 to represent 30 months then added costs. It said the practice had overcharged from October 2005 to December 2005 after conducting a post-payment verification.