GP online services toolkit

Transactional services

Transactional services are the online facilities patients use to book and cancel appointments, order repeat prescriptions and send messages to the practice about their medication.  They are popular because they are efficient and convenient for patients and practices.  In 2022 more than 45% of people in England had signed up for them.

Since 1st April 2015 it has been a contractual requirement for English GP practices to offer these services.  Practices must routinely ensure that the number of appointments available to be booked online meets the reasonable needs of their registered patients.

Practices have found online booking quick and easy to set up. Registration for online booking of appointments is a relatively simple process.  Patients appreciate the convenience of this service and it has several benefits for practices, which are detailed in the Online Appointment and Prescriptions guidance.

• Online Appointments and Prescriptions (68 KB DOCX) – a guide to getting started to offer online appointment and prescription services.