A General Medical Services (GMS) contract GP is a physician who has entered into a contractual agreement with the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. This type of contract is also known as a primary care contract, and it outlines the terms and conditions under which the GP will provide medical services to NHS patients.

For GMS contract GPs, the contract covers funding for primary care services, which includes consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. These medical professionals work in general medical practices, which are also contracted to the NHS. A GP may work as an independent contractor or as part of a partnership or practice.

The GMS contract was introduced in 2004 as part of a major overhaul of the NHS. It was designed to provide greater stability and financial security to GP practices while ensuring that patients receive consistent and high-quality care.

Under the GMS contract, GP practices receive an annual global sum payment, which is designed to cover the cost of delivering primary care services to patients. Practices also receive additional payments for certain services, such as vaccinations and chronic disease management.

In return for this funding, GMS contract GPs are expected to provide a certain level of service to their patients. This includes providing appointments within a certain timeframe, offering telephone consultations and home visits, and managing patients with chronic conditions. The contract also requires GPs to participate in national health campaigns, such as seasonal flu vaccinations.

GMS contract GPs are also responsible for maintaining accurate patient records and sharing them with other healthcare professionals as needed. They must also comply with national standards for clinical care and patient safety, as well as participate in regular quality assurance reviews.

Overall, the GMS contract is designed to provide a stable and consistent source of funding for GP practices, while ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. GMS contract GPs play a vital role in the NHS, providing primary care services to millions of patients across the United Kingdom.