Data Collection, Retired QOF Indicators
Practices have been asked again to accept requests within the Calculating Quality Reporting Service (CQRS) for the extraction of indicators no longer in QOF. GPC have clarified the advice remains unchanged from 2015, this is optional and for an individual practice decision. The decision to retire and amend these indicators was intended to reduce bureaucracy and allow practices to focus on the needs of patients. These indicators were successfully removed during negotiations as being clinically inappropriate and unhelpful to practices. As such, there is no expectation that practices should continue to focus on achieving these targets, and GPs should instead continue to use professional judgment to treat patients in accordance with best clinical practice guidelines. It is for clinicians to decide how they record clinical consultations and what codes, if any, to use.  Practices should be reassured that the previous GP contract agreement still stands, and there is no contractual requirement for practices to record codes for former QOF indicators. However, practices are also asked to note the position outlined within the 2015/16 QOF guidance – that practices are encouraged to facilitate data collection of these indicators. The data is intended to inform commissioners and practices and provide statistical information. It is not intended for any performance management purposes. GPC anticipates a large fall in the recording of many of the retired codes, particularly those that were previously imposed, as practices now work more appropriately. In GPC’s view, allowing retired codes to be extracted could help to demonstrate how inappropriate it was to impose contract changes in the first place, as well as informing discussions between GPC and government on the development of more appropriate future indicators of quality care.

Publishing GP Earnings
As you will be aware, practices are required to publish mean net earnings of GPs (including salaried and locum GPs who have worked in the practice for over six months) and the number of full time and part time GPs in the practice by 31 March 2016. This includes

• income from NHS England, CCGs and local authorities for the provision of GP services that relate to the contract or which have been nationally determined
• all earnings to be reported are pre-tax, National Insurance and employee pension contributions
• for contractors the figures are net of practice expenses incurred

This does not include:

• income and costs related to premises

Publication should be made on the practice website and on a poster at the practice for those patients who do not have internet access to advise it is available on request. NHS England has published guidance as to how to calculate earnings for publications – you will find this on page 10. You can find further information on the GPC website.