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Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) Test Result
You may have noticed a new test result in your NHS App called Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG). The result will appear as "Johns Hopkins Clinical Groups System Score" followed by a number between 1 and 11.
This is not a medical test result. Instead, it is a score used by the practice to help understand your overall healthcare needs and ensure you receive the right care and support at the right time.
What is the Johns Hopkins ACG System?
The Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) system has been used across the NHS since 2009 and has been applied to more than 11 million patient records.
Rather than focusing on individual medical conditions alone, the system looks at your overall health needs by considering factors such as:
- The number of long-term health conditions you have
- The complexity and severity of those conditions
- The level of healthcare and support you may need
As your health changes over time, your ACG score may also change.
Understanding the ACG Bands
Patients are grouped into one of 11 bands according to their healthcare needs.
Bands 1–4: Low Need
- Patients with few or no significant healthcare needs.
- Typically require less support or intervention.
Bands 5–9: Moderate Need
- Patients with one or more well-managed health conditions.
- May benefit from occasional monitoring or additional support.
Bands 10–11: High Need
- Patients with multiple or more complex health conditions.
- May require regular reviews, monitoring and coordinated care.
How is the Score Calculated?
Collecting Information
The score is calculated using information already held within NHS health records, including:
- GP (primary care) records
- Hospital admissions
- Emergency department attendances
- Outpatient appointments
- Relevant public health information
This information is updated monthly to help keep the score current.
Assigning a Band
The Johns Hopkins ACG system analyses the available healthcare information and assigns a band from 1 to 11 based on overall healthcare need.
How the Practice Uses the Score
The score helps clinicians plan and deliver care more effectively. For example, it may help us to:
- Identify patients who would benefit from more regular reviews.
- Ensure patients with complex needs see the same clinician where possible.
- Offer additional support before health problems become more serious.
- Coordinate care across different healthcare professionals and services.
What Are the Benefits?
When a clinician opens your medical record, your ACG band is displayed to help inform your care. This can support clinicians to:
- Make informed decisions about your treatment.
- Provide more personalised care.
- Identify patients who may benefit from earlier intervention.
- Improve health outcomes through proactive care.
- Coordinate care between different teams involved in your treatment.
How Your Information Is Protected
Protecting your personal information is a priority.
The Johns Hopkins Health System has a strong international reputation for data security, privacy and information governance. Organisations accessing shared patient records must:
- Meet agreed information governance standards.
- Sign confidentiality agreements.
- Restrict access to authorised staff with a legitimate clinical or operational need.
- Carry out regular audits of data access.
- Ensure staff receive appropriate information governance training.
- Inform patients through their Privacy Notice.
In 2023, an independent King's Counsel reviewed these arrangements and confirmed that they are lawful and robust.