Normally, there are three system updates each year. Two update the system for changes in clinical codes based on the the April and October READ code releases, whilst the third updates the system for changes in the GP contract following the annual negotiations between the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA and the Department of Health.

QMAS shows how well each practice is doing, measured against national QOF achievement targets. It allows practices to analyse the data they collect about the number of services and the quality of care they deliver, such as the services provided to patients with the chronic diseases that are included in the QOF. Access to the system is also provided to PCTs so that practices and PCTs can share information on achievement throughout the year.

As practices are rewarded financially according to the quality of care they provide, it is essential that the payment rules that underpin the GMS Contract are implemented consistently across all systems and all practices in England. QMAS ensures that this is achieved.

The Department of Health website has detailed guidance on the GMS Contract.

Take part in the 'The GP Payments Calculation System Survey'

The survey to help us shape the new QMAS has now closed.

Thank you if you were one of the many who took part, the results are being analysed and will be published here shortly.

GP System Supplier GMS certification for QOF 2008/09

Much of the data used by QMAS is extracted from electronic health records in GP clinical systems. Suppliers undertake a certification process to ensure that their submissions to QMAS are compliant with the latest version of the QOF Business Rules. You can now review the current status of each GP clinical system supplier in that process.

QOF assessor toolkit

The QOF assessor toolkit software is available to download from the Apollo Medical Systems website free of charge. The site also contains advice and help on using QOF assessor. Please check with your clinical system supplier that your practice system is compatible with the Apollo software before installing it at your surgery.

Training

The QMAS training website (N3 connection required) helps GPs and practice teams understand how to use QMAS. It fully supports practices, PCTs and SHAs in their use of QMAS by the use of presentations, user manuals and frequently asked questions (FAQs). It enables the user to:

• view QMAS web pages and enter achievement indicators
• view feedback reports
• navigate through the system
• explore functionality
• find links to QMAS related documents and websites

Visit nww.qmastraining.nhs.uk (N3 connection required).

Latest QMAS news

End of year update

NHS Connecting for Health has been made aware of a problem with the end of year submissions that has affected all InPractice practices.

QMAS Release 15.1

QMAS Release 15.1, to support Business Rules v15.0, went live on Monday 24 October. NHS CFH are working with suppliers to ensure that their updated systems are deployed as quickly as possible. If you have any questions regarding when your system will be updated, please contact your system supplier. If you have any other QMAS queries then please email gmsppdoc@nhs.net

QMAS Bulletins

QMAS Bulletin December 2009 (PDF, 81Kb)

Important information on the end of year process for PCTs and practices

QMAS Bulletin June 2009 (PDF, 28Kb)
This bulletin brings you an update of current QMAS activity and outlines the changes to QMAS that will be effective from 6 July 2009.

QMAS Bulletin February 2009 (PDF, 21Kb)
This bulletin gives QMAS users and Administrators advice and guidance on the changes to QMAS for year end 08/09

QMAS Bulletin December 2008 (PDF, 32Kb).
This bulletin provides an overview of changes to QMAS which come into effect on 9th February 2009 to support the quality and outcomes framework for 2008/09.

QMAS Bulletin October 2008 (PDF, 27Kb)
This bulletin brings you an update of current QMAS activity and outlines the changes to QMAS that will be effective from 27th October 2008

QMAS Bulletin April 2008 (PDF, 66Kb)
This bulletin provides an update on several issues impacting on the use of QMAS.

QMAS Bulletin March 2008 (PDF, 207Kb)
This bulletin provides an overview of changes to QMAS which come into effect 1st April 2008 to support the quality and outcomes framework for 2008/09.

QMAS Bulletin February 2008 (PDF, 68Kb)
This bulletin serves as a reminder of the manual and IT activities that are necessary to collect the final achievement data from each practice participating in the national Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).

QMAS Bulletin January 2008 (PDF, 35.5Kb)
This bulletin provides important guidance with regard to practice list sizes and the National Prevalence Day.

Visit the QMAS document archive for older bulletins.

QMAS Service Desk

QMAS is not a CFH Supported Service first line and all enquiries should initially go through the BT QMAS Desk or by phone on 0845 6016 907.