This field contains a code for the organisation commissioning the patient's treatment. There are six main types of purchaser, the prevalence of each being dependent on the data year:

1. Health Authorities

2. GP fund holders

3. Primary care Groups

4. Primary care Trusts

5. Private patients

6. Department of Health - the Department purchases treatment for patients from abroad (either under EU regulations or other reciprocal agreements) and for certain UK residents whose treatment is centrally financed, notably those treated by Special Health Authorities.