8. Providing information about your services
 

      If you publish or broadcast information about services you provide, the information must be factual and verifiable. It must be published in a way that conforms with the law and with the guidance issued by the Advertising Standards Authority. If you publish information about specialist services, you must still follow the guidance in paragraphs 42 and 43 [section 14].
The information you publish must not make claims about the quality of your services nor compare your services with those your colleagues provide. It must not, in any way, offer guarantees of cures, nor exploit patients’ vulnerability or lack of medical knowledge.
Information you publish about your services must not put pressure on people to use a service, for example by arousing ill-founded fear for their future health. Similarly, you must not advertise your services by visiting or telephoning prospective patients, either in person or through a deputy.
GMC Good Medical Practice, paragraphs 44, 45, 47

The excellent GP
- has a clear, accurate and up-to-date practice leaflet, containing information about services provided
- leaves clear messages if an answerphone is used

The unacceptable GP
- does not have a practice leaflet, or has one which is untrue or self-promoting
- uses vague or incomplete messages on the answerphone
- visits or phones prospective patients to encourage them to join the practice