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Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Risk Groups (ACGs)/Patient Needs Groups (PNG) Score

Understanding Your ACG / PNG Score

You may notice a test result referring to the ACG/PNG Group Score appearing in your NHS App or online medical record.

The Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) and Patient Needs Groups (PNG) system is a nationally recognised tool used across the NHS to help healthcare teams understand the overall health and care needs of their patients.

Rather than looking at single medical conditions, the ACG system groups patients based on the complexity and intensity of their healthcare needs.

This helps your GP team to:

  • Better understand your individual health and wellbeing needs
  • Identify patients who may benefit from more support or proactive care
  • Plan and deliver more personalised care in a timely and efficient way

We receive this information securely through the Connected Care system, managed by the Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB). Connected Care allows local health and care providers – including GPs, hospitals, community and mental health teams – to share important health information safely and appropriately to support your direct care.

Your ACG/PNG score is automatically calculated from existing information in your medical record (for example, your health conditions, test results, prescriptions, and recent care episodes).
It is not a diagnosis and does not affect your access to care or treatment. It is simply used to help the NHS plan and deliver services more effectively.

Your score will only change if your health has significantly improved or deteriorated, such as:

  • When you are diagnosed with a new long-term condition
  • When an existing condition becomes better controlled
  • When your overall health status changes

If you would like to know more about how your information is used to support your care, please see our Practice Privacy Notice or visit Connected Care.

Click here for more information.

Page published: 16 January 2025
Last updated: 23 October 2025