Doctors' handwriting has long been criticised as being difficult to read or even illegible. In more recent years research has confirmed that it is not uncommon to find medical case note entries that are deficient, illegible or unidentifiable. In Good Medical Practice the General Medical Council (GMC) asks that doctors 'keep clear, accurate, legible and contemporaneous patient records'. In addition, the GMC 'expects that all doctors will use their reference numbers widely to identify themselves to all those with whom they have professional contact'. This includes encouragement for its use in case note entries and prescribing.