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
• their identity will be confirmed for access to other patient facing services, for example their online health record

If a patient has not used NHS login, you can still register them at your practice. You must verify their identity before giving them access to online services.

You will not need to verify the identity of a patient who has been added to your clinical systems as part of the pilot. 

This is because they have used NHS login to register with your practice. This means they have the highest level of identity verification. 

All other patient applications will need to be handled using your existing processes.

Find out more about the GP IT pilot for patient registration data transfer.

Identity verification and good practice for guidance for GP electronic records

NHS login and good practice guidelines for GP electronic patient records