QOF business ruleset v14

The QOF business ruleset version 14 is published today, reflecting changes to QOF for 2009/10.

This should be used for all matters relating to the technical requirements for recording QOF information on the new, revised and unchanged indicators.

The QOF Management Guide volume 3 is being updated to reflect the new business ruleset and the QOF changes for 2009/10.

A plain English explanation of the changes made to the ruleset compared to the previous version will be circulated via New@PCC.

Assessment tool for CVD

Please note the following update in respect of the assessment tool for CVD.

NICE has recommended in its lipid modification guidance that Framingham should be used to calculate 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. Currently, there are no Read codes available for Framingham CVD scores and these have now been requested.

The business rules therefore recognise the Joint British Societies' interpretation of the Framingham risk tool. Recently another risk engine called QRISK® 2* has been developed and is used by a major supplier of GP software. The business rules therefore allow for use of both the QRISK, JBS 10 yr and ASSIGN (in Scotland) risk engines.

There are some variations between these risk engines in terms of the data required. The Department of Health's Putting Prevention First NHS Health Check: Vascular Risk Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidance provides information on the Framingham and QRISK tests and measurements required for both.

For further information see:

Department of Health

British Hypertension Society