This page explains what the Network Contract Direct Enhanced Services (DES) is, what are the DES services, and how claims are made using CQRS.
What is the Network Contract Direct Enhanced Services (Network Contract DES)
A GP contract sets out the mandatory requirements and services for all general practices. A GP contract also sets out optional agreements to deliver services in return for additional payments. These include the nationally agreed Direct Enhanced Services (DES).
Commissioners must offer DES to all GP practices through Primary Care Networks (PCNs) of which most, but not all, GP practices are a member. A PCN is a group of GP practices who work together with other local health and social care organisations to integrate services for their local population.
GP practices can opt out of the Network Contract DES but will lose access to funding sources that underpin new services and workforce developments. [source NHS Confederation.]
Network Contract DES services
DES focuses on clinical indicators which support national priorities including flu vaccinations, learning disability health checks, early cancer diagnosis and 2-week access indicator, to support patient access and experience.
Services under the Network Contract DES include:
- Anticipatory care
- Cardiovascular disease prevention and diagnosis
- Early cancer diagnosis
- Enhanced access
- Enhanced health in care homes
- Learning disabilities health check scheme
- Medications review and medicines optimisation
- Minor surgery scheme
- Personalised care
Network Contract DES and CQRS
The Calculating Quality Reporting Service (CQRS) is an approval, reporting and payments system for GP practices and PCNs. It helps practices to track, monitor and declare achievement for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), DES, and Vaccination and Immunisation (V&I) programmes. [source NHS Digital]. Since 1 November 2020, CQRS has been managed by the NHS Commissioning Support Units.
CQRS is a web-based portal that enables providers and commissioners to manage claims online. It streamlines the process of provider claims, reduces administrative time, and ensures claims are visible within a secure platform.
Read more about CQRS and Network Contract DES payments.
