# QOF 2026/27: code invitations properly so PCAs count

> The 'did not respond' personalised care adjustment only works if two personalised invitations are coded at least seven days apart within the QOF year.

- Published: 28 Apr 2026
- Type: Tip
- Topic: QOF/IIF
- For: Practice managers, PCN leads
- Applies to: England
- Review: Reviewed by the Abtrace team
- Web page: https://ontherecord.abtrace.com/posts/qof-invitations-coding-for-pcas/

## What's changed

- Nothing mid-year. Under the 2026/27 QOF guidance, a patient can be removed from an indicator denominator for not responding only after at least two invitations at two separate points in the QOF year (1 April to 31 March), at least seven calendar days apart.
- Cervical screening indicators CS005 and CS006 need three invitations instead.
- If invitations are coded correctly, the business rules find them. You do not need extra codes at year end.

## Who it affects

Practices in England running QOF recalls, and PCNs supporting recall work across member practices.

## What to do

- Code each invitation at the time you send it. The guidance accepts codes for the method used and for use of the patient's preferred method.
- Send the first invitation by the patient's recorded preferred method where there is one. Start recording preferences at routine contacts.
- Personalise every invitation with the patient's name and what they are invited for. Letters and emails should say why the care matters.
- Stop relying on generic prompts. Messages on the right-hand side of prescriptions and waiting room notices do not count as invitations.

Remember that achievement overrides a PCA, so keep offering care opportunistically.

## Sources

- [NHS England: Quality and Outcomes Framework guidance for 2026/27](https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/prn02356-quality-outcomes-framework-guidance-2026-27-july-update.pdf)
- [NHS England: Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) guidance for 2026/27](https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/investment/gp-contract/quality-on-outcomes-framework-qof-changes/)

Published by Abtrace on On the Record (https://ontherecord.abtrace.com/). Summaries only; always check the linked source.