Can I use NHS systems like EMIS Web or System1 in my private practice?

How does EMIS Web for Private GPs differ?

Private GPs wanting to use EMIS will need to procure EMIS Web Clinical Services. This system is the same system used by NHS hub GP sites (e.g., Federations, PCNs), and whilst it differs subtly from the main ‘EMIS Web for GPs’ system used at registered GP sites, in all important respects it is the same system.

Why is EMIS the best system for private GPs?

Although there are private sector record systems available, NHS GPs often find transitioning away from EMIS (or Systm1) tricky. This is because EMIS has nearly 25 years of NHS development behind it, making it the most popular system for clinicians.

Examples of functionality include clinical decision support, a rich and detailed medication model, deep clinical reporting that ensures you can meet every CQC requirement, and a broad partner ecosystem.

The system also provides a conduit for close interoperability with the NHS.

What is required to use EMIS? What are the costs?

You will need a connection to HSCN, the government's healthcare network. This can be obtained from a provider called CloudGateway, at a cost of ~£1,500 p.a. This acts as a secure broadband line. EMIS Clinical Services is billed on a user basis, with user licenses costing in the region of ~£800 p.a. (minimum 3 licenses).  

Additional costs are chargeable for data migration, setup and training, pathology integrations and access to PDS. You can leverage EMIS partner product ecosystem for solutions including integrated equipment (e.g., ECGs) and arrivals terminals.

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What about private prescribing? Can I use EPS?

No, you can’t use EPS. However, using Hero Health's floating toolbar (integrated with EMIS), you can issue a private script via SMS or Email, which a patient can redeem from any mainstream national pharmacy. The integration will retrieve the medication details from EMIS Web, and share these with the patient via a solution called SignatureRx.  

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How do I manage billing and payments with EMIS?

Hero Health is an EMIS Elite Partner, leveraging the EMIS API. This allows Hero to read and write between EMIS. Hero delivers a full set of billing and payments features to enable you to use EMIS for your private practice.