Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about how NovaHS supports NHS primary care. Can't find your answer? Get in touch and we'll be glad to help.
What does NovaHS do?
NovaHS provides GP-led, multidisciplinary support to NHS primary care across England. Our teams help GP practices, PCNs, Federations and ICBs with clinical correspondence and coding (NovaDoc), clinical support and clinics (NovaClinic), pharmacy and medicines management (NovaMed), Lloyd George record summarisation and digitisation (NovaSummarise), and bespoke projects tailored to each organisation (NovaBespoke).
Who do you work with?
We work with GP practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), GP Federations and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England. Our support spans organisations in 32 or more ICB areas.
Can your services be funded through ARRS?
Yes, where the roles and delivery arrangement meet the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) requirements. Eligible support can be paid for through ARRS, subject to the scheme requirements and available PCN budget. If that budget does not cover the agreed cost, it can be supplemented with other funding. Eligibility and the funding arrangement must be confirmed with the PCN and commissioner before commissioning.
Is outsourcing clinical correspondence safe and CQC-compliant?
NovaHS is CQC-registered and GP-led, with established clinical governance underpinning every workflow. Clinical triage is carried out by clinicians, and our standardised, safe methods are designed to meet the expectations of NHS primary care. We work as an extension of your team, to your pathways.
Which clinical systems do you support?
We work within the main clinical systems used in NHS primary care, including SystmOne, EMIS Web, and EMIS with Docman, as well as other systems. Our teams work directly within your existing system, so there's no need to change how your practice operates.
How quickly can you onboard or clear a backlog?
NovaDoc onboarding usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly the practice completes its internal setup. The practice creates logins and appropriate groups, and arranges an induction with its staff present. Backlog-clearance times depend on the work agreed; one practice case study describes more than 3,000 documents cleared within a week.
How do you protect patient data?
Data protection is central to how we operate. NovaHS is Cyber Essentials certified, ICO registered and completes the NHS Data Security and Protection (DSP) Toolkit. All patient data is handled to NHS information governance standards.
How much do your services cost?
Pricing is tailored to each organisation following a free consultation and an analysis of your needs. Our not-for-profit-driven, consultative approach means clear, fair proposals, and no sales pressure.
What makes NovaHS different?
We're GP-led and work as one integrated team with your practice, rather than as a detached outsourcer. Combined with our not-for-profit-driven ethos and standardised, safe methods, this delivers support that is genuinely safe, efficient and cost-effective.
How do we get started?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss your pressures, analyse where we can help and set out a tailored proposal. You can reach us through our contact page, by phone on 0330 133 5380, or by email at novahs.info@nhs.net.
Do you digitise paper Lloyd George records, and how does it work?
Still have questions?
We'd be glad to talk through how NovaHS could support your organisation, with no obligation and complete confidentiality.