PNG (Patient Need Group)

Posted on November 27th, 2025

Understanding Your Patient Need Group (PNG)

Orchard Family Practice is introducing a new system to help us provide you with the right care at the right time. It is called the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG®) System, which groups patients into Patient Need Groups (PNGs).

What is a PNG Score and Why is it Used?

A PNG score is a simple, clinically relevant way for us to categorise your specific health needs based on the information we already hold in your medical records. In Kent and Medway ICB, we use a well-tested set of 11 segments/groups based on research by Johns Hopkins University. When we do this for all groups we get healthier people and a healthier population.

The main goal is to improve your care by:

1. Ensuring you see the right person: Matching your health needs to the most appropriate member of our team (e.g., a GP, Practice Nurse, or Healthcare Assistant).
2. Tailoring your appointments: Better planning scheduled and unscheduled care, so patients with more complex needs can get the time and support they require.
3. Proactive Care: Identifying patients with complex needs earlier in the year so their treatment can be reviewed and optimised before busy periods like winter.

How is My Score Determined?

The system analyses factors such as the number of long-term health conditions you have and how severe those conditions are. You will receive a score from 1 to 11.  For easier understanding, these 11 scores are divided into three groups, using a simple traffic light system:

Where Will I See My Score?

Your PNG score can be viewed by your clinical team through General Practice clinical system.

You may also notice a reference to a “segmentation” or “ACG system score” in your NHS App (note the final implementation may be slightly different from that shown).

Please note:

We understand that some patients may be surprised by the group they have been assigned and may want to know more. Please note that PNGs are generated automatically using information already in your health record. They are not individually selected by your GP. They are an additional supporting tool that help healthcare professionals better understand your needs and help to make decisions about your care. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss your PNG, please speak with your clinician at your next appointment.