The difference between GP operating systems and Apps

[DJR1]

A quick update on technical aspects. I have had lots of queries about connecting to online records systems today. There is confusion about how it all works. So here is an explanation.

NB some of this is found in my previous posts. Please look at them if you want to know more by tapping on the DJR1

The screen shot shows the operating systems in use in NHS England.

Gp Practices run clinical systems. There are four operating systems in use

EMIS web

Micro test Evolution

TPP SYstmOne

VISION

All these systems except VISION can give full record access.

Patients access these operating systems by using an App/website.

For example EMIS Web commonly uses the Patient Access APP

TPP SYSTMOne commonly uses Systmonline

HOWEVER

Some Apps are cross platform. This means YOU can CHOOSE which APP you want to use. For example Evergreen Life App and NHS App will connect with ALL of the four operating systems.

To set up your choice of App you use the Practice registration keys given on the form you were given when you registered for online systems.

You can use more than one App!

So........

My GP Practice uses EMIS Web

So I use

1. Patient Access

2. Evergreen Life

3. NHS App

4. MyGP

They all offer different features so I use them all.

Below is a list of all the Apps that provide all online health services. They may not all work with each of the four operating systems. You will have to try it and see.

The popular ones are

Evergreen Life which is cross platforms....works with all four systems

The NHS App which works with all four

MyGP as above

NB if the service provider below does not have an App you can still access their services by their website using a personal computer

List of online health service providers and apps

PROVIDER. APPS

Airmid Airmid iOS app

Airmin Android app

BootS. Boots iOS app

Boots Android app

Co-op Health App (repeat prescriptions only). Co-op Health iOS app

Co-op Health Android app

digi.me. Digi.me iOS app

digi.me Android app

DoctorlinkDoctorlink iOS app

Doctorlink Android app

Dr. iQ Dr.iQ iOS app

Dr. iQ Android app

Echo App (repeat prescriptions only)

Echo iOS app

Echo Android app

Evergreen Life Evergreen Life iOS app

Evergreen Life Android app

HealtheraHealthera mobile app

LIVI. LIVI iOS app

LIVI Android app

MedloopMedloop iOS app

Medloop Android app

My Diabetes My WayMy Diabetes My Way iOS app

My Diabetes My Way Android app

myGPmyGP iOS app

myGP Android app

NHS AppNHS App for iOS

NHS App for Android

Nurturey (pregnancy and child health)Nurturey iOS app

Nurturey Android app

Nye HealthNye Health iOS app

Nye Health Android app

PatallyNo apps

Patient AccessPatient Access iOS app

Patient Access Android app

Patient ServicesNo apps

Patients Know BestNo apps

Pharmacy2U (repeat prescriptions only)Pharmacy2U iOS app

Pharmacy2U Android app

Practice PlusNo apps

SystmOnlineSystmOnline iOS app

SystmOnline Android app

The Waiting RoomNo apps

You need to ask the GP Practice which operating system they use and then look at the Apps available

If you are unsure of what your current App offers google and check the websites which often give very clear operating parameters.

I hope that makes things clearer and answers some common questions.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I recently set up access to GP records and the process is not straightforward. It was only with information I had gained from this site that gave me a clue where to start and then it took further research and muddling through technical processes to get it completed.

I had to apply for online service as firstly my pharmacy said they were too busy to take any telephone calls for repeat prescription. The practice had always refused do repeats directly and obviously didn’t like dealing with repeat requests through their own direct messaging system either. Even though their own system has a specific section to request medicines along with the “ask reception a question” and “consulting room” where you log your new or changed symptoms before the doctor messages you back or telephones you.

When I was told to order prescriptions through online services next time, I began the process. Seeing as I was forced to set it up for myself (& children) and for my husband. I also requested enhanced access as soon as possible.

It seemed to direct me between both the systmonline and NHS app so I had to submit an image of my driving licence and current recording of myself saying a random 4 digit number they had chosen.

Once the extra access was requested there was a explanation “If you are requesting access to your full medical record, we have one calendar month to ensure it is processed correctly to new GDPR guidelines. Please be aware that your full medical record will also contain your detailed coded record already”

There was nothing to indicate the request was in process. There was also nothing to confirm when it was activated either, which would have been helpful, instead I just happened to notice the records were there!

I can access GP records & GP test results back to 2013, If I put in the search dates in correctly. One section has a 60 day limit the other doesn’t. I can also view consultant letters from the hospital sent to GPs but no hospital blood test result which would be interesting. Requesting those seems to involve contacting records manager or patient services manager at the relevant hospital trust.

Can you request hospital blood test from a specific department or approximate date. I should have had a antibody test back in 2013/14. Would I be required to request my entire record? Would it have to be a paper copy as there doesn’t appear to be a method to allow for digital viewing?

[DJR1 in reply to PurpleNails]

You can request one document or all of it as you wish. Procedures vary with the hospital trust. If you know the date of the test you could contact the consultants secretary and request a copy or what I have done in the past contact the PALS team. (Patient liaison service)

They will request ID which can usually be done online. The information can be sent to you however you wish. Paper copy or email is equally possible.

There may be information on the hospital website advising on their own process so it’s worth a look. Your request is formally known as a Subject Access Request but you don’t need to use those words. You can request your information verbally on the phone, by email, letter or social media. I find hospitals are very accommodating with requests for information unlike GP’s. Good luck.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to DJR1]

Thanks for the reply.

I have now found a patient access email contact for the hospital where I can request an application form. I think using my GP record I can find out the month I had the test. So something I can peruse.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to DJR1]

Update on this:

I did obtain the single document from 2014.

I sent the form, 2 types of ID & signature of a witness all via email. They clarified I was happy to have it emailed back, which I was & it was returned within days.

It actually showed I had hyper levels then (I was pretty shocked) so I requested the entire records and submitted request in same manner.

This time it took nearly a month & was posted. (not 1 thyroid test was taken so pretty disappointed)

The records go back 20 years. The hospital was relocated around this time & records from the former site were not there.

Would these now have been destroyed?

Any ideas how I find out? If I search for the original hospital it either takes me to website for new building or national archives.

I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere, or even have known where to start without your help. Thanks again for all your helpful posts and advice.

[Hillwoman]

I am utterly bewildered by the discussion of "apps". Are these things that can only be used with a smartphone? If so, I don't own one.

Back in the early-mid 1990s I was using computers and the internet in ways that were ahead of my contemporaries, but now I feel I'm falling a long way behind through lack of money to buy more gadgets and upgrade the ones I have.

I eventually got online access to order repeat prescriptions, but all other services listed (e.g. test results) are unavailable to me, despite my requests. There was no list of apps anywhere on the practice website.

[DJR1 in reply to Hillwoman]

Mm 🧐I guess the marketing is largely aimed at the smart phone/tablet owners.

What I should have also said is that these platforms can also be accessed by their websites using your personal computer.

The list of Apps for phone users and platforms for PC users should be listed on the registration form alongside the registration keys.

You should be able to access all online services online.

If pushed I would recommend Evergreen Life. If you register with them using your Practice registration keys ( you may need to ask for these again) they have a helpline who will address any problems with the Practice and help you with access.

Alternatively you could complete this form and you will be put in touch with the NHSX Empower the Person team who also will help out

nhs.uk/contact-us/nhs-app-c...

[Hillwoman in reply to DJR1]

Thanks very much. I'll look into this.

[Sweeneythyca]

Any ideas what to do when new practice says online access to my records is not 'their policy'?

I am livid as have 4 health conditions that require lots of tests and appointments at docs or hosp so like to keep on top of it all, now I've changed practice i have no way to. (Apart from hosps which i can access)

[DJR1]

Yes fill in this form and you will be contacted by the NHS Empower the Person Team

nhs.uk/contact-us/nhs-app-c...

Please do this we need patient power to stop the current level of refusals and to encourage more training. Let us know how you get on.

You could also email the PatientOnline Team who will have a digital champion for your area.

[DJR1 in reply to DJR1]

You could also print off the GP contract page I have posted in other threads and present it to the Practice Manager asking for a written explanation and a written copy of their policy restricting access. Gosh this makes me so cross!