Dear Patient,
You may notice that a Risk Stratification code has been added to your medical record. We understand this may raise questions, so we wanted to explain what this means and why it has been used.
What is Risk Stratification?
Risk stratification is a NHS‑approved process that helps healthcare teams identify patients who may need different levels of monitoring or support based on their current health needs.
It is not a diagnosis and does not change your care without discussion.
Instead, it simply allows clinicians to better understand who may benefit from more regular reviews or who may safely move to a lower‑risk category.
What does a RAG status mean?
RAG stands for Red, Amber, Green:
- Red – you may need closer monitoring or more frequent reviews
- Amber – your condition is stable but still requires routine oversight
- Green – your condition is stable and may require less frequent monitoring
These categories help clinical teams prioritise care appropriately and ensure timely follow‑up when needed.
Why has a code been added to my record?
A code has been added so your GP or healthcare team can:
- easily see your current RAG status
- decide if your status needs to change during future reviews
- make sure you receive the right level of care based on your health needs
Does this affect my treatment?
No changes are made to your treatment or care plan without a conversation with you.
The code is simply an internal tool to support safe and consistent clinical decision‑making.
Do I need to do anything?
No action is required from you.