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GMS Contracts

Overview

This topic gives an overview of the new national GMS (General Medical Services) contract, including:

  • services to be provided

  • the quality and outcomes framework

  • funding

  • practice infrastructure.

It also explains the main differences between the GMS and PMS (Personal Medical Services) contracts.

GMS Contracts: Quick Facts

  • Under the new national General Medical Services (nGMS) contract, the Primary Care Organisation (PCO) makes arrangements with the practice rather than individual GPs. The New GMS Contract

  • The nGMS was introduced in April 2004 and is implemented by the four national health departments, with support from the National Primary and Care Trust Development Programme (NatPaCT), the National Primary Care Development Team (NPDT) and PCOs. Implementation

  • The nGMS sets out the services to be provided by the practice, including essential and additional services. Services to be Provided

  • Contracts for enhanced services can be with GMS practices or alternative providers such as NHS trusts or PCOs. Enhanced Services

  • Funding is allocated to practices through three main streams: the global sum, quality rewards and enhanced services payments. Funding of the New GMS Contract

  • Quality reward payments are based on the practice's achievement of quality standards, set out in the quality and outcomes framework (QOF). The Quality and Outcomes Framework

  • The QOF is reviewed annually. The QOF Review Process

  • Ownership of new Information Management and Technology (IM&T) systems has transferred from the practice to the PCO under the new contract. Practice Infrastructure

  • Personal Medical Services (PMS) contracts offer a permanent local alternative to nGMS. The PMS Contract