Written by Paul Brown | Last updated 11.07.2025 | 6 minute read
For digital health innovators looking to extract NHS primary care data in bulk, the EMIS Extraction IM API Integration offers a secure, structured, and efficient method to access rich patient-level clinical information. This article provides a high-level technical overview of the EMIS Extraction IM API, tailored for CTOs, technical leads, and data platform architects exploring integrations with EMIS Health systems.
The EMIS Extraction IM API enables approved third-party systems to securely retrieve clinical data from EMIS Web practices. As one of the UK’s leading GP software providers, EMIS Health holds comprehensive clinical records for all its member practices. These records are maintained in near real-time and stored in an offline format, ready for secure extraction under appropriate governance conditions.
For technical leaders evaluating the EMIS Extraction IM API Integration, it is essential to understand that the API does not function as a traditional RESTful interface. Instead, the integration model is based on the secure delivery of encrypted CSV datasets via sFTP, making it particularly suitable for services requiring batch-based or periodic data synchronisation.
A key component of the EMIS Extraction IM API Integration is its alignment with NHS Information Governance (IG) requirements. Before any data can be extracted, explicit approval must be granted through a Data Distribution Agreement, which is activated by the data controller—typically the GP organisation itself. This agreement outlines the dataset’s purpose, scope, and intended recipients.
The API framework also respects patient-level sharing preferences through standard inclusion and exclusion codes. Data from patients who have opted out of secondary data use or electronic sharing will be systematically excluded, ensuring that the integration process remains compliant with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott Principles.
The EMIS Extraction IM is designed to support two integration models: one where data from multiple organisations is delivered to a centralised sFTP site, and another where data is segregated by organisation, with each extract delivered to an organisation-specific sFTP location. This flexibility allows digital health platforms to tailor their EMIS Extraction IM API Integration based on whether they are offering centralised analytics services or organisation-level applications.
Security is enforced through dual encryption measures. All sFTP endpoints are protected via SSH, and the dataset files themselves are encrypted using OpenPGP standards. Subsidiaries integrating with the API are responsible for generating SSH and PGP key pairs, supplying EMIS Health with the public keys during the configuration process. Private keys are retained by the subsidiary, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and consume the data.
The EMIS Extraction IM API delivers data in a highly structured CSV format, with the schema defined within the EMIS Health PIP (Partner Integration Pack). Technical teams can select from a broad range of tables covering patient demographics, appointments, clinical observations, prescriptions, consultations, referrals, and audit records. This modular approach ensures that each integration is purpose-built and avoids unnecessary data exposure.
When a new extraction is initiated, the full dataset is delivered in bulk. Subsequent extracts follow a delta model, including only new or modified records since the last transfer. This “transactional extract” approach optimises bandwidth and processing resources, while supporting near real-time data updates depending on extract frequency.
Integration with the EMIS Extraction IM API begins with a structured assurance process. During the early development and evaluation phase, digital health suppliers can access dummy datasets via test environments provided by EMIS Health or HSCIC. These datasets, accompanied by example keys and certificates, allow developers to build and validate their data pipelines before proceeding to live data.
Once a solution has achieved GPSoC assurance and DevMAC approval, subsidiaries can begin placing extraction orders using a formal configuration form. Each extract request takes approximately 10 working days to process and requires final approval by each data controller before activation. This ensures a controlled rollout of live data feeds and maintains compliance across the board.
Successful EMIS Extraction IM API Integration requires a close alignment between technical capability, governance readiness, and operational planning. Digital health innovators must be prepared to manage PGP encryption, SSH-secured transfers, and patient data consent compliance while also designing scalable systems that can parse, process, and update datasets based on delta extracts.
The EMIS Extraction IM API is not a plug-and-play integration—but for those with robust infrastructure and a clear clinical purpose, it offers a powerful gateway into one of the UK’s richest repositories of primary care data. Whether you’re building predictive models, population health tools, or patient-facing applications, mastering this integration will be a key enabler for success within the NHS ecosystem.
What types of digital health solutions benefit most from EMIS Extraction IM API integration?
EMIS Extraction IM API integration is especially beneficial for digital health platforms involved in population health analytics, chronic disease management, service planning, and clinical research. Any solution requiring longitudinal, patient-level data across GP practices—such as predictive analytics engines or dashboards for commissioners—will gain significant value from this structured extract model.
How frequently can data extracts be scheduled from the EMIS Extraction IM API?
While the exact frequency depends on the agreement with EMIS Health and the needs of the data controller, extracts can typically be scheduled on a daily or weekly basis. The delta extract model supports efficient, near-real-time data updates, making it suitable for applications that need timely information without overwhelming infrastructure.
Is real-time API access available as an alternative to the EMIS Extraction IM API?
The EMIS Extraction IM API is not a real-time API; it’s designed for bulk or incremental data delivery. For real-time data access, EMIS offers different API products—such as the EMIS Partner API—through the EMIS Health Partner Programme. These support transactional operations, but are subject to different integration routes, governance processes, and use cases.
Can EMIS Extraction IM API integration support cross-regional or ICS-level data sharing initiatives?
Yes, the architecture of the EMIS Extraction IM API supports regional and ICS (Integrated Care System) data aggregation. When set up using the multi-organisation model, datasets from multiple GP practices can be extracted into a centralised system, supporting care coordination, service transformation, and shared decision-making at scale.
What is the process for requesting a schema change or additional data fields in an extract?
Subsidiaries who require changes to their extract—such as adding new tables or fields—must submit a change request via EMIS Health. This is reviewed against the data distribution agreement and subject to technical feasibility and governance approval. Schema flexibility is possible, but changes must align with the data controller’s consent and clinical justification.
How is data quality and integrity maintained in EMIS Extraction IM API outputs?
EMIS maintains high standards for clinical data integrity by syncing offline datasets with EMIS Web daily. Each extract reflects validated clinical entries, coded using standard terminologies like Read V2 or SNOMED CT. Any issues in completeness or data anomalies can be flagged during the assurance process or validated against dummy datasets in development environments.
Is your team looking for help with EMIS Extraction IM API integration? Click the button below.
Get in touch