The month of birth recall model has historically provided a simple way to spread patient reviews across the year. But with growing chronic disease registers, workforce pressures, and tighter QOF indicators, this more passive approach may no longer be the right one.

This is where risk stratification comes in. A more dynamic approach, it prioritises patients based on clinical need rather than birthdate. The question is, should practices stick with a traditional month of birth system, move entirely to risk-based recalls, or blend the two?

Each recall strategy has its strengths and drawbacks, but tools like Suvera’s Planner can support practices to deliver better outcomes with less strain.

The Month of Birth Model: Simple, Predictable, Familiar

Many practices continue to use the month of birth recall model because it’s straightforward and easy to manage. Appointments are, in theory, spread across the year, with every patient on the list contacted once every 12 months.

The advantages are clear:

• Predictability: staff can plan workload evenly, and patients may get used to the consistent annual review.
• Simplicity: recall planning relies on the calendar, with no complex algorithms or manual sorting.

However, this simplicity can come at a cost:

• No prioritisation: a stable patient and a high-risk patient are treated the same, even if one might need a review sooner.
• Inflexibility: it doesn’t adapt to seasonal capacity, staff changes, or urgent QOF requirements.
• Risk of backlogs: if recalls are missed or delayed, it is easy for a month’s cohort to roll into the next.

In short, the month of birth model works well for routine reviews of stable patients, but not for complex health needs or growing QOF demands.

The Risk-Stratified Model: Recall Scheduling for Smarter Care 

Risk stratification brings data-driven intelligence to recall scheduling. Patients are grouped by clinical risk – such as recent test results, co-morbidities, or markers of disease control – and recalled at intervals to match their needs.

Benefits can include:

• Clinical relevance: high-risk patients are reviewed more often, which may reduce complications and improve QOF performance.
• Better use of capacity: appointments are focused where they make the biggest impact.
• Improved outcomes: by catching deterioration early, practices can meet targets while improving patient care.

However, risked-based recall systems rely on accurate coding and reliable data. Patient education around the new recall system and review intervals may be required, too. 

Without an automated recall system, administrative coordination is also required to adjust review intervals and send reminders at the right time. 

This is why many are turning to digital solutions that streamline recall planning, such as Suvera’s Planner which automatically identifies cohorts, prioritises patients by risk, and schedules them intelligently throughout the year.

A Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds 

The most effective strategy may be a blended recall model that combines the predictability of month of birth recalls with the ingenuity of risk stratification.

In a hybrid approach:

• The month of birth schedule can act as a foundation to keep the workload balanced and familiar
• Risk stratification overlays this base, allowing high-risk patients to be brought in earlier
• Technology supports this flexibility, automatically indicating when patients require an earlier review

For example, a patient with well-controlled hypertension might continue to be reviewed annually by birth month, while another with rising blood pressure readings or multiple health conditions is invited sooner.

Digital tools like Planner can make this feasible by integrating recall logic directly with EMIS or SystmOne. Practice staff can then see which patients are at risk, due, or overdue for review – all from one dashboard.

This approach combines the efficiency of automation with the clinical insight of stratification, creating a recall strategy that’s both sustainable and intelligent.

Why This Matters for QOF Optimisation

Significant QOF changes for the 2025/26 financial year have put greater emphasis on CVD prevention and management, with new indicators around cholesterol and blood pressure control. Practices are being measured on both activity and outcomes.

Efficient recall planning can directly influence results. By encouraging patients to attend at the right time, practices can:

• Improve indicator performance for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol management
• Prevent last-minute QOF pressures, reducing the panic many practices experience
• Optimise clinical time, ensuring that limited resources target higher risk patients whose health metrics could be improved, thus supporting QOF metrics

Beyond Recall: Building Patient Buy-In to Support Outcomes

Even the best recall strategy only works if patients respond. 

Suvera has demonstrated that digital platforms and virtual clinics make it possible to achieve high engagement rates across diverse populations. 

When partnering with NHS teams in Lewisham to pilot a virtual hypertension clinic model, patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) were invited to join a system of remote care, submitting home BP readings and being managed by a remote team of pharmacists. Pilot outcomes included:

• 80.8% engagement rate from the Core20PLUS5 population 
• Blood pressure control in 70.3% of patients who submitted BP readings
• Average systolic blood pressure reduction of 10.3 mmHg

As the new QOF year brings updated priorities, practices that introduce risk-based logic – supported by clear processes, virtual access to healthcare professionals, or digital tools – will be better positioned to meet indicators and deliver safer, proactive care.

Rethinking Recall with Digital Systems

There’s no single “right” recall model, but there are smarter ways to plan.

The month of birth model offers structure and predictability, while risk stratification adds precision and impact. Blending the two simplifies recall scheduling so that practices can:

• Focus on patients most in need of clinical care
• Automate certain tasks
• Meet QOF indicators more efficiently

With QOF demanding more proactive care, recall processes cannot remain static. With clear processes, accurate data, and the right digital support, recall planning can become a genuine driver of better outcomes for patients.

To find out how a hybrid model like Suvera’s Planner could make recall strategies smarter, faster and more accurate book your free demo.