Alternative
Provider Medical Services (APMS)
Alternative
Provider Medical Services (APMS) is one of four contracting routes
available to enable PCOs to commission or provide primary medical
services within their area to the extent that they consider it necessary
to meet all reasonable requirements. The other routes are General
Medical Services (GMS), Personal Medical Services (PMS) which includes
Specialist PMS, and Primary Care Trust Led Medical Services (PCTMS).
APMS
provides the opportunity for locally negotiated contracts allowing
PCOs to contract with non-NHS bodies, such as voluntary or commercial
sector providers, (or with GMS/PMS practices) to supply enhanced and
additional primary medical services. PCOs can enter into APMS contracts
with any individual or organisation to meet local needs, as long as
core NHS values are fully protected and secured.
What
services can be provided under APMS?
In common
with GMS, PMS and PCTMS, APMS can be used to provide:
•
Essential services
• Additional services where GMS/PMS practices opt-out
• Enhanced services
• Out of Hours services
• A combination of any of the above
Can
GMS and PMS Practices provide APMS services?
Yes.
PCOs can contract with GMS and PMS Practices through the APMS route.
The Practice would hold a separate APMS contract alongside their GMS/PMS
contract.
Further
information
DoH
Guidance on APMS
APMS
frequently asked questions
BMA
guidance on APMS
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