What is NHS number & how to find lost NHS number?

What is the format of NHS Number?

During its early days, NHS number was a combination of letters and digits for England and Wales i.e. JRDAN 245 whereas NHS number in Scotland was a combination of letters and digits, which was further identified within the household i.e. STUV123:3.However, this system was not an ideal system because it was hard to validate a specific number and was replaced by the modern style of NHS number, which was introduced in 1996 although it was made mandatory on 1st April 1997.

The new format of NHS system is ten numeric digits in length ten digit numbers in a 3-3-4 format, with the final digit is called as the check digit and is used to confirm its validity. The check digit is validated using the Modulus 11 Algorithm and use of this algorithm is mandatory.

Why is NHS Number Important?

Your National Insurance Number is unique to you and it will appear on all the official documents and letter like medical prescriptions, medical test results or hospital appointment letters from National Health Service or your General Practitioner. Babies born in the hospitals of England and Wales will be given their NHS number as soon as they are born, however those who are born at their homes, will receive their NHS number when they register the birth with general practitioner.

NHS Number is important because:

1. It links the patient to their records accurately and effectively.
2. It enables transfer of patient records electronically.
3. It enables sending the electronic prescription messages.
4. It helps the healthcare staff to provide safe and efficient health care services.
5. It helps you book hospital appointments through the NHS E-Referral Service.

What if I have never registered with a GP practice?

Anyone who has registered with a GP practice in England, Wales or the Isle of Man will have an NHS Number.

An NHS number is automatically allotted to all born babies since October2002 in England, Wales or the Isle of Man.

In case, you were born before October 2002 and have never registered yourself with a GP practice in England, Wales or the Isle of Man, you’re likely not to have an NHS Number.

In order to get an NHS Number, you must get registered with a GP practice at the earliest. Use below link to locate a nearby GP in your areas

Find a local GP practice

You can also find information about GP practices that are open to accepting new patients at the moment.

Is there a Cost for Availing Services of NHS?

If you have a NHS number, it does not mean that you can avail all services of NHS free of cost. Patients in England are required to pay patient contributions towards some of the NHS services and the money raised helps fund the NHS, such as:

1. Prescription Costs: In case you have to avail number of NHS prescriptions, then it is better to buy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), which covers all cost of your NHS prescriptions including NHS dental prescriptions, however there are certain items which are not covered under this, like wigs and fabric supports. Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) helps you to save quite a amount on your medical expenses. Cost of current prescription is £8.60 per item whereas a 3 month PPC costs you £29.10 and is a better deal in case you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months and a 12 month prescription prepayment certificate costs you £104.00 and thus you can save money in case you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year.

How to Obtain NHS Number:

What is the Eligibility to Apply for NHS Treatment?

Anyone who is deemed to be ordinarily resident in the UK is entitled to free NHS services & treatment in England. Access to the NHS services is universal, however depending on on the immigration status of a person within the UK, person may require to pay for certain services.

Major NHS services that are free to all include:

Treatment under accident and emergency (A&E) department
Treatment for certain infectious diseases
Compulsory psychiatric treatment;
Family planning services