How do private GPs store their consultation notes?

What is the best electronic record system for private GPs?

There are two main GP record systems used in NHS care in the UK: System1 and EMIS Web. System1 is not available to private practitioners, but EMIS Web is.  

EMIS is used in ~60% of NHS GP practices nationally, as well as in Jersey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. The system offers a robust consulting mode, rich clinical reporting, and a comprehensive set of medication and pathology modules.

Whilst there are other record systems built specifically for the private sector, in our experience these solutions fall short of the NHS systems in terms of functionality and compliance. They also offer limited/no interoperability with NHS practices (e.g., no PDS, GP Connect) for joined up care.

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But what about billing?

EMIS does not contain an inbuilt billing and invoicing module. However, EMIS users can access a wider partner program of integrated products – and one of these, 'Hero’ Health, will deliver a full set of invoicing, payment and accounting functionality. You can learn more about Hero's offering on their website.

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What are the advantages of electronic patient records?

There are a multitude of factors that explain why electronic patient records have replaced traditional paper record keeping. Key reasons include:

• Safety and security - Notes can only be seen by the individual with access rights, and every action is audited
• Ease of access - Notes can be accessed anytime, any place, by those with the right permissions
• Compliance - Digital record systems enable save care delivery - for example through prescribing alerts that prevent inappropriate prescribing

To learn more about electronic patient record systems, see our Resources page.

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