QOF for 2025/26: Key Changes & Opportunities for Your Practice
The NHS is undergoing significant transformation, with changes in senior leadership, the introduction of new contracts, and the much-anticipated launch of the 10-Year Health Plan.
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The NHS is undergoing significant transformation, with changes in senior leadership, the introduction of new contracts, and the much-anticipated launch of the 10-Year Health Plan.
But what do these developments mean for Primary Care in practical terms?
In this article, we break down the key changes to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for 2025/26 and explore how they will impact your practice. Plus, we’re offering an exclusive FREE tool designed to help you navigate the latest CVD indicators, ensuring you stay informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
Increased GP Funding: A Welcome Development
One of the most notable changes is the increase in GP funding, bringing much-needed investment into Primary Care. According to the NHS document outlining GP contract changes for 2025/26, several key updates to QOF will directly impact your practice.
Understanding these changes is essential - not just for compliance but also for identifying opportunities to optimise performance, particularly where time-sensitive actions are required.
The Focus on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
CVD remains the leading cause of death among adults in England, with national hypertension prevalence nearing 15% of the population. The QOF changes aim to significantly improve clinical outcomes, ultimately benefiting patients, colleagues, and communities.
At Suvera, we understand the importance of CVD prevention. Check out our Hypertension Management Report and watch our webinar featuring the National Clinical Director for CVD Prevention.
Breakdown of Funding Changes
Retirement of Indicators
32 QOF indicators that were income-protected in 2024/25 will be permanently retired, equating to 212 QOF points worth approximately £298 million.
Reallocation of Points
71 points (worth £100 million) will be removed and redistributed into:
Global Sum funding
Increased Item of Service Fees for routine childhood vaccinations (from £10.06 to £12.06)
Higher locum reimbursement rates
The remaining 141 points (worth £198 million) will be redirected towards CVD prevention, aligning with the government's goal of reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade.
CVD Prevention Focus
Points will be proportionally redistributed across nine CVD prevention indicators.
Lower achievement thresholds remain at 2024/25 levels, while upper achievement thresholds will increase for 2025/26.
Technical Changes to QOF Indicators
Several QOF indicators will be updated to align with revised NICE guidelines, including:
Cholesterol & lipid-lowering therapy: New wording and inclusion of additional treatment options.
Diabetes blood pressure indicators: Addition of age criteria.
Asthma diagnosis criteria: Removing reliance on spirometry as the main test.
Asthma review requirements: Updated standards for patient care.
Threshold Changes: Key CVD Indicators
3 Key Opportunities for Your Practice
Reviewing national QOF targets and achievements for 2023/24, there is an estimated £54 million in QOF earnings that could be lost unless practices improve their approach to these targets.
1. CHOL004 - Cholesterol Management for CVD Patients
With higher thresholds and increased points, this indicator requires early planning.
Practices need a robust recall system and phlebotomy availability to meet targets.
Suvera’s 24/25 partner practices have already exceeded 25/26 targets—speak to us to see how we can help.
2.Taking a Holistic One-Stop-Shop Approach
With nine CVD indicators, overlap is key.
A comprehensive recall strategy that enables holistic patient clinics will be critical.
3.Understanding the QOF Formula & Maximising Prevalence
QOF earnings are influenced by:
Points achieved (see table above)
Point value (~£220.62 per point in 24/25, subject to confirmation for 25/26)
Contractor Population Index (CPI) (total patient list size)
Adjusted Practice Disease Factor (APDF) (prevalence of conditions like hypertension)
This year, increasing prevalence is more valuable than ever - particularly in areas with condition overlap.
Suvera is the only service in England combining technology, prevalence coding, and clinical services in one platform.
Maximise Your Practice’s Potential
To fully understand how these changes will impact your earnings and patient care, use our interactive QOF calculator to explore the results and prioritise your focus areas.
With the right strategy and tools, your practice can not only meet but exceed QOF targets, ensuring better patient outcomes and financial sustainability.
Good luck, and let’s make 2025/26 a year of progress!
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