---
title: "GP data for any adult in England"
canonical: "https://wiki.patientsknowbest.com/space/MAN/4143251489/GP%20data%20for%20any%20adult%20in%20England"
format: markdown
---
Patients Know Best (PKB) has completed integration with the GP record for patients in England. It means the PKB record will automatically store for a patient a copy of the data the GP has released to that patient. This is achieved using the [IM1 Patient Facing Services (PFS) API](https://digital.nhs.uk/services/gp-it-futures-systems/im1-pairing-integration).
PKB is integrated with both Optum (EMIS) and TPP (SystmOne).
> Macro (toc)
# Why use PKB for GP data
We're committed to making GP data clear and accessible. Here are a few ways we doing that:
- **Diagnoses:** Finding diagnoses shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Often, these critical details are hidden within extensive consultation notes. To solve this, PKB has extracted and neatly presented diagnoses on our dedicated "Diagnoses" page, giving a clear, concise overview of key health conditions.
- **Medication:** Many platforms simply list a patients current medications, leaving medication history buried within lengthy consultation records. We've compiled all medication information, past and present, onto our dedicated "Medicines" page. This allows users to easily track a complete medication journey, providing a more comprehensive view of their health.
- **Test Results:** PKB displays test results from both EMIS and SystmOne GP practices on graphs. Where GP test results are mapped to hospital data in your record, they are combined onto the same graph. This allows users to view long-term health trends in a single view, regardless of whether a test was ordered by a GP surgery or a hospital.
- **Sharing****:** PKB puts patients in control, allowing patients to [share](https://wiki.patientsknowbest.com/space/MAN/3624730683/Sharing) their GP data with their healthcare professionals, family, or friends, as they see fit. The ability to share a PKB record provides a fuller picture of a patients health, enabling better informed decisions and helping healthcare professionals avoid issues caused by differing computer systems that don't always communicate effectively. Sharing in PKB can be especially beneficial to patients who see multiple specialists or receive care in different locations, out of area. Patients also have the ability to use our [privacy labels](https://wiki.patientsknowbest.com/space/MAN/3624009852/Privacy+labels) which are a way for patients to label each data point in their record with one of four categories. Patients can decide who has access to each one of the categories, giving granular control over exactly who sees what.
- **Notifications:** To help patients stay on top of their care, PKB sends email notifications to the patient (and any linked carers) whenever new, future-dated GP appointments are retrieved following a login. This ensures that users are immediately aware of upcoming appointments added to their record, reducing the risk of missed sessions and improving coordination with their GP surgery.
- **SNOMED CT Codes:** GP data in PKB is tagged with SNOMED CT codes. These are standardised codes used throughout the NHS and internationally. This means the information is organised consistently, allowing for smoother sharing and analysis between healthcare providers.
In short, PKB helps patients to keep their GP data alongside their other health records in one secure place. We've made it easier to read and interpret GP information while also giving patients control to decide who sees their information and how much they see.
By connecting GP data to PKB, patients are taking a step towards better health management and improved communication with their care providers.
# What GP data will PKB store for the patient
PKB will store data the GP practice has already authorised for release to the patient. This is the same dataset the patient can see in the NHS App.
In Phase 1, users will start to be able to see demographic, appointment, medication, and diagnoses (conditions) data from their GP Practice. PKB will also store for the patient the GP observations (including measurements and test results), allergies & immunisations. These will be available via our FHIR APIs when the patient shares their PKB record.
In Phase 2, the patient will see more data from Phase 1 in the PKB user interface (UI) & we will be storing documents.
## Phase 1: GP appointments, conditions and medications
| **Appointments** | **Diagnoses** | **Medicines** |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |
## Phase 2: Patient can see full GP data
### Released
| **Immunisations**
February 2026 | **Test Results**
August 2026 | **Allergies**
September 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |
### Pending / coming soon
| **Allergies** | **Measurements** | **Procedures** | **Lifestyle** | **Documents** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |
# What will the patient journey look like
| **STEP 1** | **STEP 2** | **STEP 3** | **STEP 4** | **STEP 5** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| For the first time the patient must log in with NHS login to authorise | The patient enters their
e-mail address, password and security code. | The patient confirms they would like a copy | Thereafter every time a patient logs in PKB pulls the latest record | Patient sees information the GP has already authorised for release |
|  |  |  |  |  |
## Does the patient need to do anything as new data types are made available
As new data types are made available within PKB, the new data will automatically show the next time a patient interacts with PKB and their data is updated.
# What does the patient need to do
There is one-time one-step process for the patient. The patient has to log in with NHS login and choose ‘Get my GP data'. This prompt will show for patients whether logging in directly from PKB’s website or when using a jump off point to PKB from the NHS App.
The NHS login is only necessary this one time to allow storing GP data. After that the patient can log in any way they prefer, including with the PKB login.
## Does the patient need to obtain credentials from their GP Practice
No. Using NHS login means neither the GP practice nor the patient needs to spend time on credentials.
## When is GP data updated
Whenever a patient interacts with PKB, PKB pulls the latest GP record. The patient can use PKB login or NHS login.
# Why can’t a patient see GP data
There are several reasons that could account for a patient not seeing their GP data in PKB:
1. **Patient not used NHS login**: The patient has not logged in with NHS login to trigger the initial data integration
2. **Patient chose Not now**: The patient chose ‘Not now' when prompted to get their GP data during the login process. The patient will be prompted with the 'Get your GP data’ screen again one month after selecting ‘Not now'
3. **PKB completing data retrieval**: Retrieving and showing GP data can take PKB a little while. It varies based on factors such as record size and demand at the time.
4. **GP not switching on online services**: Patients must have online services set up at their GP Practice. If a patient does not have an online services account, the patient should contact their GP Practice to request access to online services. See the sections below on [How can a patient request access to online services](https://wiki.patientsknowbest.com/space/MAN/4143251489/GP+data+for+any+adult+in+England#How-can-a-patient-request-access-to-online-services-?) and [How does a GP practice enable online services for a patient](https://wiki.patientsknowbest.com/space/MAN/4143251489/GP+data+for+any+adult+in+England#How-does-a-GP-practice-enable-online-services-for-a-patient-?).
5. **GP does not have data**: If a patient has recently registered at a GP Practice, there may not be GP data available in the patient's record yet.
6. **GP not releasing data**: The GP Practice has not permitted the release of the patient's online services data within their clinical system. Individual items can been restricted e.g. a single diagnosis (condition), a service can be restricted e.g. all diagnoses (conditions), or date range restrictions can be applied by the GP Practice to only allow release of data after a specified date. Patients are encouraged to contact their GP Practice directly to request access to their online services data. GP surgeries are required to give all patients in England online access to new information as it is added to their GP health record since 31st October 2023 (unless a patient has individually decided to opt out, or any exceptions apply).
7. **Misclassification**: The PFS API provides item types for data classification, for example diagnoses. Sometimes data lacks an item type that allows PKB to surface it on the appropriate PKB page. We are implementing logic to improve data identification and surface relevant data on the correct pages.
## How can a patient request access to online services
GP practices usually require patients to attend the GP practice in person with at least one form of ID e.g. drivers license, passport or birth certificate to enable online services.
Some GP practices also allow patients to register for an online services account using NHS login. See more information here [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/using-online-services/](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/using-online-services/) .
## How does a GP practice enable online services for a patient
- EMIS: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435) has training resources from EMIS, as well as step by step instructions created for EMIS GP Practice users by PKB.
- SystmOne: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162) has training resources from TPP SystmOne, as well as step by step instructions created for SystmOne GP Practice users by PKB.
## How can a GP practice increase online services access for a patient
- EMIS: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435) has training resources from EMIS, as well as step by step instructions created for EMIS GP Practice users by PKB.
- SystmOne: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162) has training resources from TPP SystmOne, as well as step by step instructions created for SystmOne GP Practice users by PKB.
## How can a GP practice reset online services for a patient
- EMIS: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342546435) has training resources from EMIS, as well as step by step instructions created for EMIS GP Practice users by PKB.
- SystmOne: the [https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/4342022162) has training resources from TPP SystmOne, as well as step by step instructions created for SystmOne GP Practice users by PKB.
## Why is a patient not able to see GP data for their linked accounts
Patients can be granted proxy access to be able view and manage the online GP accounts of others e.g., children under 16.
PKB has not yet implemented proxy access functionality or linked accounts specifically for the GP data integration. This means that even if a patient has approved online access to a child’s (under 16) GP records though their GP’s online services account, the link will not extend to GP data within PKB at this time.
We are planning to develop this feature. Future updates will allow for the linking and pulling of proxy records.
# GP Practice
## Why are GP Practices receiving tasks about Online Services - Linked Applications
**SystmOne:** When a patient links their online services account to a new application, SystmOne automatically generates a **'Online Services - Linked Application Successful'** task for the GP practice. This task is informational, notifying the practice that a patient has successfully connected a new application such as Patients Know Best (PKB) to their online services account.
GP Practice’s should follow their practice's standard procedures for managing these tasks, the same as they would for any other linked applications such as the NHS App. This might include actioning the task and automatically sending the patient a notification or deleting it. GP Practices can also bulk-action or bulk-delete these tasks in SystmOne with just a few clicks.
**EMIS: **EMIS does not generate a task when a new application is linked.
## **How can a GP Practice restrict which booked appointments patients can view via their online services to prevent administrative appointments from showing? **
### **SystmOne**
You can restrict online appointment viewing by rota type, slot type and rota clinician.
1. In SystmOne, go to **Setup > Users & Policy > Organisation Preferences > Online Services > Appointment Viewing**.
2. Select the rota types, slot types and rota clinicians you want patients to see.
Any appointment that is bookable through Online Services will always be visible in Online Services, whether or not it matches the preferences you have selected.
### EMIS Web
EMIS Web does not separate viewing and booking settings. If an appointment slot is bookable online, it is also viewable online, so the way to stop patients seeing a session is to stop it reaching patient-facing services at all.
In EMIS Web, when you create an appointment session or edit the properties of an existing one, select **Hide from Patient Facing Services and Diary**. Appointments in that session will then be neither bookable nor viewable by patients via online services.
# Notifications to patients
## PKB
When a patient interacts with PKB, if there are newly added future GP appointments, an email notification will be sent to the patient (and any linked carers). PKB also sends appointment reminder email notifications for upcoming GP appointments. For more information on appointment reminders, please see [here](https://wiki.hub.patientsknowbest.com/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/3624665101/Notifications#Appointment-reminder-email-notifications-.).
## SystmOne
1. When a patient links a new application to an online services account, the GP Practice receives a **'Online Services - Linked Application Successful'** task. If the GP Practice actions this task, a notification is sent to the patient to notify them of the new link. Alternatively, GP Practices can delete this task and no notification will be sent to the patient.
2. SystmOne GP Practices can enable an organisation-wide preference to send email notifications to patients when their online accounts are accessed.
1. If enabled, this notification setting will apply to every patient registered at the practice whenever they access their online account via any app e.g. PKB, NHS App, SystmOnline, Airmid etc.
2. When a patient logs into Patients Know Best (PKB) to retrieve their data, the email notification advising them of this access may not be immediate. There can be a short delay while PKB processes the data request.
Email to patients when online account is accessed:
> This email is for information only.
> [Title] [Surname],
> Your SystmOnline account was accessed on [DD MMM YYYY HH:MM]. If you did not access your SystmOnline account, please contact your healthcare provider to report this.
> Do not reply to this email.
## EMIS
When a patient links a new application to an online services account, a message is automatically generated by EMIS Web and sent to the patient to notify them of the new link.
# Data quality
## Will there be duplicated GP data from multiple sources
PKB receives data from multiple sources about each patient. In some regions, this can include multiple copies of a patient’s GP record. We keep all this data in the record for each patient to ensure maximal coverage for all patients.
PKB only displays one copy of GP data in our user interface (UI). PKB prioritises EMIS IM1 bulk extract service data over the data from the EMIS IM1 PFS API integration. This is because the bulk extract service data is more accurate (with original codes); more frequent (updated daily); and more comprehensive (it goes beyond data manually released to the patient).
## Why is a past medication showing as current
PKB identifies whether a medication is current or past based on its **status** and/or **end date**. However, TPP’s SystmOne does not provide this information through the PFS API.
To address this, PKB applies specific rules to distinguish between past and present medications from SystmOne. In cases where we cannot determine the status, PKB will default to displaying the medication as current.
PKB has raised this issue with both TPP and NHS England.
## Why is a past diagnosis showing as current
PKB identifies whether a diagnosis is current or past based on its **status** and/or **end date**. However, TPP’s SystmOne does not provide this information through the PFS API.
As a result, PKB will display all diagnoses from SystmOne as current for now. We are working on adding past diagnoses, and applying rules to distinguish between past and present diagnoses from SystmOne.
PKB has raised this issue with both TPP and NHS England for resolution.
## **Why are some non-medical conditions appearing on my Diagnoses page?**
Data received from GP systems is sometimes assigned the wrong category label. If an entry is labelled as a problem, PKB displays it on the Diagnoses page. We are updating our system to better identify these items and route them to their proper section.
## **Why are some immunisations listed on the Medicines page?**
Depending on how your GP practice logged the entry, some immunisations are provided in the PFS API categorised as medication items. Because of this, they show up under **Medicines**. We are adding updates to automatically catch these records and ensure they appear on your **Vaccinations** page instead.
## Some of the data in the record from my GP is incorrect; how can this be corrected
Please **contact your GP Practice **because they are the source the data that PKB is showing you. As soon as they fix the information in their GP clinical system, PKB will receive the update and you will see it in PKB.
## What should I do if the mistake is still there after the GP confirmed it's been corrected
If you have access to your GP data in other systems (for example, the NHS App), please check if the mistake is visible there as well.
- **If the mistake is only in PKB:** Please wait a day before checking again. If the error still persists after 24 hours, please contact PKB support.
- **If the mistake is still in multiple apps:** Please contact your GP practice again to let them know the mistake is still visible in your record.
## How can a patient find out which patient record system their GP Practice uses
A patient can ask their GP Practice what patient record system they’re using e.g., SystmOne or EMIS.
## Why is my GP appointment named with a generic term like "Default," "Standard," or "Routine"
The name for your GP appointment comes directly from your GP practice's system. It's the title they've given to that specific type of appointment slot.
GP practices have full control over how they name their appointment slots. While some may use very descriptive names (e.g., "On the day emergency," "Face-to-face consultation," "Telephone appointment"), others might use more generic terms like "Default," "Standard," or "Routine." This naming convention is entirely dependent on how your individual GP practice has configured their system.
If you believe a different or more specific name would be helpful or clearer for your appointments, please **contact your GP practice directly** to provide your feedback. They are the only ones who can modify the names of appointment slots within their system.
## Why can I see my Covid vaccination in the NHS App but not in Patients Know Best (PKB)
The NHS App and Patients Know Best (PKB) retrieve your vaccination information from different data streams.
The NHS App pulls your Covid-19 vaccination record directly from a central national database. PKB, however, relies on the data feed provided by your GP practice. Most Covid-19 vaccinations were administered at vaccination centres, hubs, or pharmacies rather than at your local surgery. While these vaccinations are often visible in your overall GP record, GP systems generally do not re-record vaccinations that were given elsewhere.
Because PKB only receives the data actively recorded and released by the GP practice itself, these externally administered vaccinations do not automatically flow into your PKB account.
# Information governance
## Who gives permission to store GP data in PKB
The patient does. PKB retrieves GP data only after the patient gives explicit consent on the "Get my GP data" screen.
The GP practice remains the controller of the record in its own clinical system and decides what is released to the patient through online services. PKB is an Independent Controller of the copy retrieved into the patient's PKB record, under Article 6(1)(a) Consent and Article 9(2)(a) Explicit Consent of the UK GDPR. NHSE oversees the IM1 integration process and assures every use case and product for the use of the IM1 PFS API.
The data PKB is showing is a copy of the health record in the patient's own GP system, shared by the GP practice.
## How can a patient withdraw
A patient can withdraw their consent at any time by emailing [help@patientsknowbest.com](mailto:help@patientsknowbest.com) from the email address linked to their PKB record. PKB then stops retrieving new GP data and deletes the GP data already retrieved within 30 days.
## What are the privacy labels for GP data
Appointments, medications and immunisations automatically default to the 'general health' privacy label.
Test results are mapped to privacy labels by PKB. A list of the available test results and their associated privacy label mappings can be viewed [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mbtwMA7X8_oZkZA1LeRBry8JxSZRpmOyBBAWMMEudL4/edit?gid=0#gid=0).
PKB maps diagnoses to privacy labels using SNOMED CT codes. For SNOMED CT codes with an existing privacy label mapping, this existing mapping will be used. For SNOMED CT codes that the PKB Product/clinical team has not yet mapped to a privacy label, PKB software defaults to 'Privacy label not set'. The PKB Product/clinical team regularly maps new SNOMED CT codes as they arrive. Only patients or individuals with consent to see all four privacy labels can see diagnoses with a 'Privacy label not set'.
Patients can manually change privacy labels for individual data points if they wish. To find more information on how to change a privacy label [here](https://pkbdev.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/MAN/pages/3624009852/Privacy+labels#How-can-I-change-a-privacy-label%3F).