How GP contract changes will affect your surgery
The new contract between GPs in England and the Government will see a number of changes.
They are aimed at giving patients better care and more details about their family doctor, and also at preventing unnecessary admissions to hospital.
The British Medical Association has listed some of the key changes.
Named Doctors for over 75s
Surgeries and clinics will provide a named and accountable GP to each patient aged 75 years or older.
The doctor will make sure the patient gets the care they need and co-ordinate any treatment.
All existing patients should be told who their individual GP is by 30 June 2014.
Online appointments and repeat prescriptions
From April 2014 all surgeries will be expected to offer online appointments and repeat prescription services.
And from March 2015 patients should be able to access their medical records held by their GP online.
Hotline for paramedics and emergency doctors
Surgeries will create a special hotline where they can be contacted by medical staff in emergencies.
This will enable them to find out key information on patients in their care such as whether they have allergies to antibiotics.
End to 10 minute minimum appointment
GPs will be able to choose how many patients they wish to see in one day rather than make all appointments in 10 minute blocks.
The average appointment currently last 12 minutes meaning many overrun.
Friends and Family Test
The test question will be: 'How likely are you to recommend our practice to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
Practices will be required to ask one follow up question of their own choosing, and also provide monthly feedback to NHS England.
GP earnings published
For the first time patients will be able to see what their GPs are earning and allow them to decide whether they are getting value for money.
Net salaries will be published from 2015-16.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said it would give the Government more confidence to hand more funds over in future.