Catchment Areas: Inner Boundary vs Outer Boundary
Under the NHS General Medical Services (GMS) contract, every GP practice has a formally agreed geographical practice area defined by statutory boundaries negotiated with their local Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Most GP surgeries operate two distinct operational zones:
1. Inner Catchment Area: The core boundary within which any resident has a legal right to register and receive full medical services, including urgent acute home visits.
2. Outer Catchment Area: An extended boundary where existing registered patients who relocate are permitted to remain registered, provided clinical travel distances remain reasonable.
| Relocation Distance | Catchment Status | Home Visit Obligation | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Inner Boundary | Inside core catchment | Full statutory duty by practice | Update address online via NHS App or surgery portal |
| Within Outer Boundary | Inside outer retention zone | Practice retains discretion | Notify surgery of address change; confirm retention in writing |
| Outside All Boundaries | Out of area | No home visit duty (voluntary registration) | Apply for formal NHS Out of Area status or register locally |
| Different Devolved Nation | Cross-border (e.g. England to Wales) | Managed under devolved health board | Must register with new devolved local GP practice |
The NHS Out of Area Registration Scheme
Since January 2015, GP practices in England have had the legal freedom to register patients who live outside their traditional practice boundary under the Out of Area Registration Scheme.
However, staying registered as an out-of-area patient involves trade-offs:
• No Home Visits: If you become acutely unwell and require a home visit, your out-of-area GP is not obligated to attend. Instead, NHS 111 coordinates a visit from a local GP near your new address.
• Clinical Suitability: If your medical condition becomes complex (e.g., severe chronic illness, terminal palliative care, or severe mobility issues), the practice may advise that out-of-area registration is clinically unsafe and request that you register with a nearby practice.
Use our free New Home GP Checker before completion day. Enter your new postcode to verify all official NHS surgery catchment zones and straight-line distances.
Checklist: Deciding Whether to Keep Your GP or Switch
Before deciding to keep your existing doctor or switch to a new local practice: