While traditional indicators simply identify who's eligible (denominator) and who's complete (numerator), Hippo adds an intelligent eligibility layer that determines when patients should actually be recalled. This avoids inviting patients too early, before it’s clinically necessary or operationally helpful.
A patient might be:
✅ In the denominator (has asthma)
❌ Not in the numerator (hasn't had this financial year's review)
⏸️ But NOT yet eligible for recall (had a review only 2 months ago)
⚙️ What Does “Hippo Eligible” Actually Check?
1. Timing Windows for Reasonableness
Standard rule: Annual review required
Hippo logic: Only recall if the last review was more than 6 months ago (default setting - this can be customised)
Why this helps: Prevents early recalls, avoids patient fatigue, and spreads workload more evenly across the year
2. QOF Year Overlap (📅 April Reset)
The QOF year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
That means someone who had their review in January would technically need a new one starting April 1st, even though it was only a few months ago.
💡 Without Hippo eligible, they’d be recalled again almost immediately.
Hippo avoids this by applying a default 6-month buffer
This respects QOF requirements while avoiding duplication
It also reduces unnecessary pressure in early QOF months (April–June)
📍 You can adjust this buffer in the "Recall Config" if you prefer a stricter or looser recall cycle.
3. Age Appropriateness
Standard rule: Childhood immunisations by specific ages
Hippo logic: Calculates exact eligibility windows using DOB
Example: Don’t recall a child for 12-month jabs if they’re only 11 months old
Why this helps: Ensures timing is clinically appropriate
4. Recall Readiness (System Triggers)
Some services (like cervical screening) can reject samples if care is given too early.
Hippo ensures we don’t recall for actions that can’t yet be fulfilled, so you avoid:
🧪 Wasted appointments
📉 Failed coding
☎️ Unnecessary rebooking or re-recalls
🧪 Example: Asthma Review Eligibility
Patient: Jane Smith
Diagnosis: Asthma (recorded 2019)
Last review: 15 March 2025
Today’s date: 15 July 2025
Standard QOF logic:
Denominator: ✅ (has asthma)
Numerator: ❌ (no review since 1 April 2025)
Status: NEEDS REVIEW
Hippo logic:
Time since last review: 4 months
Minimum recall spacing: 6 months
Status: NOT YET ELIGIBLE
Next recall due: 15 September 2025
🛠️ Where to Adjust This
You can change the default recall buffer (6 months) in your Recall Config settings.
📍 Go to the top-right of your Hippo dashboard → Click your initial → Recall Config
This lets you tailor recall timing to your practice’s workflows and patient population.