RCGP revalidation lead Professor Mike Pringle said wise GPs would want to use this year’s appraisal process to prepare themselves for revalidation.

But the GPC has said doctors should not take part in enhan­ced appraisal until concerns are resolved over who will pay for remediation for doctors who fail revalidation.

GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey said there had been ‘little progress’ in talks with the government.

Professor Pringle said: ‘There is no obligation to do this. But most doctors are having an enhanced appraisal in preparation for revalidation.’

However, Dr Vautrey said if GPs were already having high-quality appraisals there should be no need for an ‘enhanced version’ ahead of revalidation.

‘GPs should not be frightened of revalidation but they will be if a responsible officer or people doing appraisals are making assumptions about what they will be required to do for revalidation.

‘The legislation has not been put in place yet and until it is crystal clear what the requirements will be it is far too early to be making assumptions.’

Dr Rob Barnett, Liverpool LMC secretary, said medical directors were conducting enh­anced appraisals in Liverpool and voiced concerns. ‘To ask GPs to jump through hoops in preparation for revalidation, which might still change, is neither fair nor necessary.’

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