This folder supports practices in achieving QOF indicators for heart failure, including medication use (ACEi/ARB, beta-blockers) and annual review. It also supports exception coding when treatment is declined or not clinically appropriate.

The searches have been built to look at the contract year (1st April to 31st March), so it is recommended to run the search WITHOUT a relative run date.

🔍 [HF003] One invitation sent

Patients eligible for HF003 (heart failure review) who have had one invitation. A second invitation is needed to allow for exception coding if they do not attend.

🔍 [HF003] Two invitations sent

Patients with two invitations sent and no review coded. These are now eligible for exception coding under HF003.

🔍 [HF006] One invitation sent

Patients eligible for HF006 (ACEi or ARB in HFrEF) with one recorded invitation. Send a second invite to enable exception coding if the patient does not engage.

🔍 [HF006] Two invitations sent

Patients with two invitations sent for ACEi/ARB discussion but not on treatment. Now eligible for exception coding under HF006.

🔍 [HF007] One invitation sent

Patients eligible for HF007 (beta-blocker in HFrEF) who have received one invitation. Send a second invitation to support future exception coding if no response.

🔍 [HF007] Two invitations sent

Patients with two invitations but not on a beta-blocker. These can now be exception-coded under HF007 if appropriate.

🧾 DISENGAGED | No heart failure review this year or last year

Patients who have missed two consecutive years of HF review. These are often disengaged and at increased risk — useful for proactive outreach or exception coding.

🧾 PCA CHECK | HF003 not on ACEI/ARB and previously declined

Patients not on ACEi or ARB, with a previous decline or PCA. Check whether an exception should be reapplied under HF006 or if initiation is now possible.

🧾 PCA CHECK | HF006 not on a B-blocker previous PCA

Patients not on a beta-blocker and have had a PCA exception in a previous year. Review to determine whether a new PCA should be applied for HF007 or if treatment is now appropriate.

🧾 PCA CHECK | HF007 No review previous PCA

Patients who did not have a coded HF review and had a previous PCA applied for HF007. Consider reapplying PCA if the patient remains unsuitable or unengaged.

🧾 CLINICIAN | Heart Failure LVSD with ejection fraction recorded

Patients with heart failure and LVSD were previously included in the HF2 register (for HF003 and HF006). A preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction has been recorded, or an ejection fraction percentage has been documented which may indicate HFrEF.  These patients are not currently included in HF3 register (for HF009), so this report may be for information only, but we recommend carefully reviewing medical records to confirm that documented ejection fractions are correct.

• Use the report to review coded ejection fractions, paying particular attention to ejection fraction percentages less than 40% which should be coded as a reduced ejection fraction.