Verifying patient identity

Patients using Register with a GP surgery can use NHS login during their application. One of the main benefits is that they will not have to provide information that the NHS already has on their NHS record.

If a patient has used NHS login:

• they will be matched to their NHS record
• you can register the patient
• it confirms their identity for access to other patient facing services, for example access to their online health record

If a patient has not used NHS login, you:

• can register the patient
• must verify their identity before giving them access to online services

You will need to review the information in the patient record and make a decision to approve or reject them. 

Patients processed by auto registration

Patients added to your clinical systems through auto registration used NHS login to register with your practice.

This means they have the highest level of identity verification.

Find out more about auto registration.

Identity verification and good practice for guidance for GP electronic records

NHS login and good practice guidelines for GP electronic patient records