This is not surprising, given the importance of correct Read-coded data for the new GMS contract. PRIMIS+ facilitator Dave Jeffery decided that it would be worthwhile to produce a summary and Read code guidelines, having already fielded a number of queries raised by practices.

An 11 page booklet was printed, containing all Read codes acceptable for the new contract, along with guidance notes and, where there was a choice over which code to use, recommendations on preferred codes. This turned out to be very useful for practices that were confused or undecided and was generally found to be reassuring for those practices that were more confident. This information was distributed in early December 2003.

Shortly after, the summary advice was printed on laminated cards - 2 sheets of A4 printed on both sides. In view of the need to update GPs and correct a couple of minor errors, an electronic version was next produced and emailed to GPs just before Christmas 2003. This too was amended slightly and the second version was sent out in February 2004.