FAQs & Myth-Busting: What Every GP Team Needs to Know About the 2025/26 GP Contract
Overview
With significant changes introduced in the 2025/26 GP contract, there’s a lot of speculation and uncertainty about what these updates really mean for practices. This guide tackles some of the most frequently asked questions, debunks common myths, and provides clear, actionable insights.
General Questions
Does this contract fix the 8am rush?
Reality: While the contract introduces mandatory online appointment requests during core hours from October 2025, it does not guarantee an end to the 8am bottleneck. It does, however, shift demand to digital platforms, which may improve phone access for patients with urgent needs.
Are GPs really getting more funding?
Reality: Yes, the Global Sum per patient increases to £121.90, and there is £889m additional investment into GP services. However, some of this funding comes from the redistribution of QOF indicators and other efficiency measures, rather than completely new money.
Will my practice be penalised if we don’t meet the online booking requirement?
Reality: Practices must comply with online booking mandates by October 2025. Failure to do so could lead to contractual breaches. ICBs will be monitoring compliance closely.
QOF & Funding Myths
Are QOF payments being removed?
Reality: No, but 32 QOF indicators are permanently retired, and £298m has been reinvested into the Global Sum and CVD prevention initiatives. Some practices may see changes in how they earn QOF income, depending on their patient population and performance.
If QOF reporting is reduced, does that mean less work?
Reality: While admin workload may decrease, practices still need to meet CVD prevention targets to ensure funding isn't lost. The focus has shifted from box-ticking to proactive patient care.
Will the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) still be available?
Reality: Yes, and it's been expanded. GPs and practice nurses can now be recruited under ARRS, and there are no hiring caps for these roles.
Digital & Access Myths
Do practices need to implement GP Connect immediately?
Reality: Yes, practices must enable GP Connect to share records with NHS and private providers (with patient consent). Compliance is required by October 2025.
Will all patients need to use online booking?
Reality: No, but online access must be available for those who prefer it. The aim is to reduce pressure on phone lines, but traditional booking methods will still be available.
Workforce & Enhanced Services Myths
Will GPs have to take on more workload with ARRS changes?
Reality: The expansion of ARRS means that PCNs can hire more staff, including GPs and nurses, to ease workload. The removal of hiring caps provides greater flexibility in workforce planning.
Is the £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service compulsory?
Reality: No, but it offers £20 per pre-referral request, which can help reduce unnecessary hospital referrals while generating additional practice income.
Will salaried GPs see a pay increase?
Reality: Yes, minimum salaried GP pay rises to £82,418, with reimbursement available under ARRS.
Next Steps
- April 2025: Contract changes come into effect.
- October 2025: Practices must be compliant with online booking and GP Connect.
Have more questions? Let us know, and we’ll update this guide as more details emerge!
Related Articles
2025/26 GP Contract Support Guides
This document provides in-depth guidance for key stakeholders on implementing the 2025/26 GP contract changes. Click on the relevant section to jump to detailed guidance tailored to your role. GP Partners: What This Means for Your Practice’s Future ...2025/26 GP Contract Overview – What You Need to Know: Overall review of contract changes
Introduction The 2025/26 GP contract introduces the biggest investment uplift in over a decade, alongside key changes aimed at: Improving patient access (aiming to end the 8am rush with mandated online appointment booking) Cutting GP admin workload ...FAQs: Understanding the 2025/26 GP Contract Changes
Overview With the 2025/26 GP contract introducing significant changes, many GP practices have common concerns and misconceptions. This FAQ guide aims to clarify key updates, financial implications, and compliance requirements to help practices adapt ...GP Contract 2024/25 Overview
The latest GP Contract information is available on the NHS England GP Contract Hub What do I need to know about this contract year? Overview Starting from April 1st, there will be updates to the GMS contract, which will also affect PMS and APMS ...Can I Always See the Same GP? Debunking Myths About Continuity of Care
Overview The 2025/26 GP contract places a stronger emphasis on continuity of care, but many patients still have misconceptions about what this means. This guide debunks common myths and explains how continuity is prioritised while balancing access to ...