General Medical Services (GMS)
General Medical Services
The new GMS contract was introduced in 2004 and revised in 2006.
It is a nationally negotiated contract which is governed by the NHS GMS Contract Regulations (2004).
The contract allows for more flexible working in primary care and practices can offer a selection of enhanced services for patients. Quality of care for patients has also been improved through the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
Payments relating to the contract are made through the Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE). The latest SFE is available on the Department of Health website.
Full details of the contract can also be downloaded from Department of Health website.
| Document | Source | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | "World Class Commissioning" - LMC guidance | LMC (October 2008) | 27 Oct 2008 |
| Accepting donations from patients - GPC guidance | GPC (August 2007) | 3 Aug 2007 |
 | Access 2006-07 - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Access to Health Records Requests under the Data Protection Act 1998 - Guidance for Access to Health Records Requests under the Data Protection Act 1998 | DH (June 2003) | 28 Apr 2010 |
| Access to healthcare for asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers - BMA Medical Ethics Department guidance | BMA (September 2008) | 15 Sep 2008 |
| Age discrimination - Guidance on the implications of the new age discrimination legislation | BMA (August 2006) | 11 Jul 2007 |
| Agenda for change and practice staff - Focus on guidance | GPC (December 2005) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Chaperones - Guidance on the role and effective use of chaperones in primary and community care settings | NHS Clinical Governance Support Team, June 05 | 7 Aug 2007 |
| Charges to NHS patients - Guidance for GPs | BMA (January 2007) | 7 Aug 2007 |
| Charging patients - Frequently asked questions | GPC (April 2008) | 29 Apr 2008 |
| Child death review process - BMA guidance | BMA (July 2009) | 27 Aug 2009 |
| Child protection procedures - Updated LMC guidance | LMC (October 2007) | 18 Oct 2007 |
| Child protection toolkit - BMA toolkit for practices | BMA (April 2009) | 9 Jun 2009 |
| Choice and Booking DES - Frequently asked questions from the DH | DH (January 2007) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Choice and Booking DES - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Clinical DES guidance for GMS contract 2008/09 - Joint guidance from the GPC and NHS Employers | GPC/DH | 8 Sep 2008 |
| Collaborative arrangements - Guidance for medical practitioners undertaking work under the collaborative arrangements | GPC (January 2007) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Commercial Skills for the NHS - DH guidance | DH (March 2010) | 12 Apr 2010 |
| Community Hospital GPs - Focus on guidance | GPC (revised October 2007) | 8 Oct 2007 |
| Community Hospital GPs - Focus on guidance | GPC (July 2005) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Complaints Procedure, The NHS - BMA Guidance on the requirements of the NHS complaints system, providing advice on dealing with complaints that come into the practice. | BMA (August 2009) | 1 Apr 2010 |
| Complementary therapists - referrals to - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Confidentiality and disclosure of information to PCTs in primary care - BMA guidance for GPs | BMA (August 2007) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Confirmation and certification of death - GPC guidance for GPs in England and Wales | GPC (June 2009) | 23 Jun 2009 |
| Contract negotiation and relevant contract law - LMC guidance to help you secure your future | LMC (November 2008) | 18 Nov 2008 |
| Contractual issues for GPs - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2007) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Corporate Manslaughter Act - Focus on guidance | GPC (August 2008) | 1 Aug 2008 |
| Dental problems: "Patients presenting with dental problems” - Guidance on GP responsibilities | GPC (December 2005) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Disability Discrimination Act guidance for GP premises - Updated GPC guidance | GPC (January 2010) | 11 Jan 2010 |
| Dynamising factor - Updated Focus on guidance | GPC (November 2008) | 24 Nov 2008 |
| Dynamising factors - frequently asked questions - GPC guidance | GPC (January 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Electronic Patient Records - Good practice guidelines for General Practice from the DH | DH (July 2005) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Exception reporting - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Exception reporting - joint guidance - GPC/NHS Employers guidance | GPC/NHS Employers (Oct 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Excessive prescribing - Focus on guidance | GPC (November 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Extended Access - Details of a flexible model LES | LMC (April 2008) | 11 Apr 2008 |
| Extended Access 2008/09 - Focus on guidance | GPC (April 2008) | 10 Apr 2008 |
| Extended access FAQs - Frequently asked questions on the LMC's extended access LES | LMC (April 2008) | 16 Apr 2008 |
| Extended Hours Access Scheme 2010 in England - The Extended Hours Access Scheme will continue for a further year from 1 April 2010 | GPC (March 2010) | 24 Mar 2010 |
 | Firearms - Guidance from the BMA’s Ethics Department | BMA (February 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Forming partnerships, limited liability partnerships and companies - LMC guidance to help you secure your future | LMC (November 2008) | 18 Nov 2008 |
| Fraudulent registration by patients - Focus on guidance | GPC (July 2006) | 9 Mar 2009 |
| Freedom of Information Act (2000) - Link to overview on the BMA website | BMA (2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Freedom of Information Act (2000) - completing your publication scheme - Guidance for completing your model publication scheme | NHS/BMA (July 2003) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Freedom of Information Act (2000) - frequently asked questions - Updated guidance from the GPC | BMA (March 2009) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Freedom of Information Act (2000) - model publication scheme - Joint NHS/BMA guidance for GPs | NHS/BMA (July 2003) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Freedom of Information Act website - Link to the FoIA website | NHS | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Glaucoma - preventing delay to follow up for patients with glaucoma - National Patient Safety Agency rapid response report | NPSA (June 2009) | 30 Jun 2009 |
| Glaucoma - preventing delay to follow up for patients with glaucoma - National Patient Safety Agency rapid response report supporting information | NPSA (June 2009) | 30 Jun 2009 |
| GMS contract 2006-07, Revisions to the - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| GMS Contract Agreement 2010 - Focus on Guidance | BMA | 5 May 2010 |
| GMS indicative contractor budgets - Focus on guidance | GPC (February 2004) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Good Medical Practice for General Practitioners - Revised version of the 2002 Good Medical Practice for GPs document. | RCGP (July 2008) | 1 Apr 2010 |
| GP performer checks - guidance for employing GPs - LMC guidance on essential GP performer checkes for employing GPs | LMC (September 2005) | 13 Aug 2007 |
| GP practice - a guide for community pharmacists and pharmacy staff - Joint GPC, PSNC and NHS Employers guidance | GPC, PSNC, NHS Employers (April 2010) | 16 Apr 2010 |
| GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) - Letter from Dr Paul Cundy, Chairman, GPC IT Subcommittee | GPC (February 2008) | 25 Feb 2008 |
| Guns - Guidance from the BMA’s Ethics Department | BMA (February 2004) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Hazardous waste regulations - GPC guidance | GPC (July 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Hepatitis B immunisation for employees at risk - GPC guidance | GPC (August 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Housing applications - medical reports in support of - LMC guidance | LMC guidance (February 1997 updated 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| How your practice is funded - Focus on guidance | GPC (October 2008) | 28 Oct 2008 |
| IM&T DES - implementing the (data accreditation) - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| IM&T support services guidance (previously SLA) - DH guidance | DH (April 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Improving care pathways - The latest joint paper produced by the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) and the Central Consultants and Specialists Committee (CCSC) | GPC/CCSC (January 2008) | 5 Feb 2008 |
| Improving communication, the exchange of information and patient care - Suggested guidelines from the BMA for secondary care doctors and GPs | BMA (October 2007) | 8 Nov 2007 |
| Improving GP Services - Focus on guidance | GPC (July 2009 - updated June 2010) | 4 Aug 2009 |
| Influenza pandemic - costing methodology for GMS practice payments - Joint GPC/NHS Employers guidance | GPC/NHSE (May 2008) | 12 May 2008 |
| Influenza pandemic - preparing for - Joint GPC, RCGP and DH guidance for GP practices | GPC/RCGP/DH (December 2008) | 9 Jan 2009 |
| Influenza pandemic - principles for GMS practice payments - Joint GPC/NHS Employers guidance | GPC/NHSE (May 2008) | 12 May 2008 |
| Information Governance Statement of Compliance (IGSoC) for practices - LMC guidance for practices | Londonwide LMCs (October 2008) | 14 Oct 2008 |
| Involvement with private companies and other health professionals - Frequently asked questions | GPC (April 2008) | 29 Apr 2008 |
| Jury Service - Guidance on aspects of jury service | BMA (November 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Keep my NHS GP local - Resource pack for GP practices | LMC (January 2008) | 1 Apr 2008 |
| Leg Ulcers and District Nurses - Enhanced Services Sub-group advice | GPC (March 2006) | 13 Aug 2007 |
| List size – the financial implications of increasing list size - GPC guidance | GPC (February 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| LMCs - the role of (updated) - Focus on guidance | GPC (updated February 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) (England only) - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Local Involvement Networks (LINks) - Frequently asked questions guidance from the BMA | BMA (September 2009) | 10 Sep 2009 |
| Locums – negotiating fees in General Practice - BMA guidance | BMA (January 2007) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Locums – negotiating fees in General Practice (calculator) - Link to calculator spreadsheet on the BMA website | 9 Aug 2007 | |
| Managing Disputes with PCOs - GPC guidance for practices | GPC (March 2009) | 15 Apr 2009 |
| Managing disputes with PCTs - GPC guidance for GPs | GPC (January 2008) | 31 Jan 2008 |
| Media enquiries - how to handle the media - Guidance on how to handle media enquiries from Londonwide LMCs | Londonwide LMCs (March 2010) | 30 Mar 2010 |
| Mental Capacity Act - Guidance for GPs | BMA (October 2007) | 8 Oct 2007 |
| Misuse of Drugs Act - changes to the Statutory Instrument - DH update | DH (June 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Misuse of Drugs Act - explanatory memorandum - DH guidance | DH (June 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Nationally accredited systems - the choice of - Focus on guidance | GPC (February 2004) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| New primary care procurements - Guidance on the procurement of new primary care services following the Interim Report of Lord Darzi's NHS Next Stage Review | GPC (May 2008) | 23 May 2008 |
| Non-GP partners' pension contributions and tax relief - GPC guidance | GPC (March 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Overseas patients - patient eligibility criteria flowchart - Powerpoint slide in PDF format | LMC (April 2004) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Overseas patients - the treatment of - GPC guidance (May 2005) | GPC (May 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Overseas visitors - who is eligible for NHS treatment? - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Partnership agreements - GPC guidance | GPC (February 2006) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Patient registration - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Patient registration - Frequently asked questions | GPC (March 2009) | 9 Mar 2009 |
| PCT procurement guide for health services - DH guidance | DH (March 2010) | 12 Apr 2010 |
| Pension scheme, GP contributions to - Guidance on the National Health Service Pension Scheme (NHSPS) | HM Revenue and Customs | 19 May 2010 |
| Pensionable earnings - guidance for GPs' accountants - GPC guidance | GPC (August 2005) | 9 Aug 2007 |
| Pensionable GP earnings - assessment of - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2005) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Pensions flexibilities - Focus on guidance | GPC (September 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Pensions: an overview - Focus on guidance | GPC (September 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Performers list for GPs applying as individuals - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2005) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Police request for medical reports for injuries - letter - letter to Chief Constables from Paul Whitehouse, Association of Chief Police Officers | ACPO (June 2001) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Practice based commissioning (PBC) dual roles of commissioner/provider - GPC guidance on the dual role of the practice based commissioner and GP provider, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring probity | GPC (January 2008) | 16 Jan 2008 |
| Practice based commissioning (PBC) important Londonwide LMCs' update - LMC update guidance | LMC (March 2009) | 20 Mar 2009 |
| Practice based commissioning (PBC) in 2008-09 - GPC guidance on the state of play for PBC in 2008-09 | GPC (January 2008) | 16 Jan 2008 |
| Practice based commissioning and wider commissioning - Useful weblinks (England only) | BMA (August 2007) | 22 Aug 2007 |
| Premises - the future of GP practice premises - GPC guidance | GPC (October 2004) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Premises costs - Focus on guidance | GPC (April 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Prescribing - information and guidance - GPC guidance | GPC (September 2004) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Prescribing and the primary and secondary care interface - Revised GPC guidance | GPC (February 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Press release - how to write a press release - Guidance on how to write a press release from Londonwide LMCs | Londonwide LMCs (March 2010) | 31 Mar 2010 |
| Primary Medical Contracts - who can hold what? - GPC guidance | GPC (February 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Primary medical services contracts: advertising and appeal - GPC guidance | GPC (March 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Principles and rules for cooperation and competition - DH guidance | DH (March 2010) | 12 Apr 2010 |
| Private hospitals, nursing and residential homes - treating patients - GPC guidance on treating patients in private hospitals, nursing and residential homes | GPC (March 2005) | 13 Aug 2007 |
| Private practice - Focus on guidance | GPC (June 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Procurement and tendering for practices and services - LMC guidance to help you secure your future | LMC (November 2008) | 18 Nov 2008 |
| Quality and Outcomes Framework guidance for GMS contract 2009/10 - Joint guidance from the BMA and NHSE | BMA/NHSE (March 2009) | 18 Nov 2009 |
| Quality and Outcomes Framework Management and Analysis System (QMAS) - Focus on guidance | GPC (February 2007) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Quality and performance management standards - Focus on guidance | GPC (February 2007) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Records Management: NHS Code of Practice Part 1 - DH code of practice on records management | DH (April 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Records Management: NHS Code of Practice Part 2 - DH code of practice on records management | DH (April 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Referral management schemes - GPC guidance | GPC (March 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Removal of patients from GP lists - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2005) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Removal of patients from their lists - January 2009 updated version of Removal of patients from GP lists guidance (April 2005). | BMA (30 Jan 2009) | 29 Apr 2010 |
| Returners - GPC guidance - Link to the GPC website | GPC (December 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Safeguarding patient services, maintaining cost-effectiveness - GPC guidance | GPC (April 2007) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Salaried GPs - Focus on guidance - revised April 2008 | GPC (April 2008) | 30 Jun 2008 |
| Salaried GPs - model offer letter, terms and conditions - BMA guidance for salaried GPs employed by GMS practices | BMA (February 2009) | 4 Feb 2010 |
| Sale of goodwill - Focus on guidance | GPC (June 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Seniority payments - Updated Focus on guidance | GPC (January 2009) | 22 Jan 2009 |
| Services that should not be provided under primary medical services - GPC guidance | GPC (August 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| SFE changes 2006-07 (England) - Focus on guidance | GPC (April 2006) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Statement of Financial Entitlements, GMS - SFE for payments made by PCTs under a GMS contract. | DH (1 Feb 2010) | 1 Apr 2010 |
| Succession planning - Securing the future of General Practice in London guidance | LMC (October 2008) | 10 Mar 2009 |
| Summary care records - practical guidance for practices - Londonwide LMCs' guidance v1.1 | LMC (March 2010) | 11 Mar 2010 |
| Superannuation briefing & QOF achievement points - LMC guidance | LMC (May 2005) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Superannuation contributions - Focus on guidance | GPC (July 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Superannuation contributions - 2nd update - Focus on guidance | GPC (September 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Suspended GP Performer - The - GPC guidance | GPC (March 2006) | 10 Aug 2007 |
| Swine flu H1N1 - DES for H1N1 vaccination programme - Directed Enhanced Service (DES) for H1N1 vaccination programme – JCVI priority groups | DH (March 2010) | 29 Apr 2010 |
| Tax brackets and other financial considerations - Focus on guidance | GPC (March 2010) | 11 Mar 2010 |
| Telephone numbers - the use of 084 numbers - GPC guidance on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS | GPC (January 2010) | 11 Jan 2010 |
| Travel vaccinations - GPC guidance | GPC (September 2004) | 13 Aug 2007 |
| Vaccinations and immunisations - Focus on guidance | GPC (April 2004) | 8 Aug 2007 |
| Violent and racially abusive patients – provision of care to - BMA guidance on the provision of care to violent and racially abusive patients | BMA | 13 Aug 2007 |
| Waste disposal - guidance on hazardous waste regulations - GPC guidance | GPC (July 2005) | 10 Aug 2007 |