BMJ Journal Citation Rate 2026
0959-8138
BMJ
GB
Q1 Quartile Hybrid Top Tier Fast Review
About BMJ
BMJ (B) is a peer-reviewed academic journal covering Clinical Medicine and Medicine, published by BMJ in GB and in circulation since 1840, catalogued under ISSN 0959-8138. As of 2026, it has a 2022 2-Year Citation Rate (OpenAlex) of 93.30 (Q1 quartile) — the average number of citations its recent articles received over a two-year window, computed from OpenAlex open citation data, not the Clarivate (JCR) Impact Factor. It operates a hybrid open-access model (APC ~$4250 USD). OpenAlex records 2,181 works and 179,156 citations, with an h-index of 187.
Authors typically receive a first decision in around 33 days.
BMJ Citation Rate 2026 — In Context
BMJ has a 2022 2-Year Citation Rate (OpenAlex) of 93.30, placing it in the Q1 quartile within the Clinical Medicine research area. This is the average number of citations the journal's recent articles received over a two-year window, computed from OpenAlex open citation data — not the Clarivate (JCR) Journal Impact Factor.
BMJ operates a hybrid open-access model — authors may pay an APC of approximately $4250 USD to make individual articles open access, while the rest remain subscription-only. Average submission-to-decision turnaround is approximately 33 days — fast by sector standards.
Researchers looking to publish in BMJ should review the journal's submission tips and verify the latest indexing status against Scopus, DOAJ, and Web of Science using our indexing tracker. To compare BMJ against similar journals in the field, use our journal comparison tool.
Submission Tips for BMJ
- The average time from submission to first decision is 33 days, which is moderate for the field.
- Budget $4250 for the Article Processing Charge. Check if your institution or funder covers OA fees.
- This journal covers Clinical Medicine, Medicine, Public Health. Ensure your manuscript aligns with these scope areas to avoid desk rejection.
How BMJ Compares
Compared against 30 journals in the same research areas.
| ISSN (Print) | 0959-8138 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | BMJ |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Established | 1840 |
| APC / Cost | $4250 USD |
| Review Speed | ~33 days to first decision |
| h-index | 186 |
| Total Works | 2,181 |
| Total Citations | 179,858 |
In-depth profile & metrics
BMJ is published by BMJ, based in United Kingdom and in publication since 1840. It runs on a subscription or hybrid model with an article-processing charge of USD 4250.
In our subject taxonomy, BMJ is classified under Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Public Health; across recent indexed output, the largest share is original research articles (96% of records), followed by editorials & commentary (4%).
BMJ is indexed in OpenAlex. OpenAlex tracking provides an open, citable record of its output even where commercial indexing is absent.
For prospective authors, BMJ returns a first decision in about 33 days (moderate for its field).
OpenAlex records 2,181 works that have together drawn 179,858 citations, giving the journal an h-index of 186; its citation rate has risen over the last 3 years, from 27.600 (2019) to 93.300 (2022).
Research Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions about BMJ
Live Indexing Status
Updated June 2026Track real-time indexing metrics to ensure this journal meets your academic requirements.
Citation Rate
Historical Trend
The impact factor has grown by 238% over the last 3 years (from 27.600 to 93.300), indicating rising influence and citation activity in its field.
Citation Rate by Year
| Year | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93.300 | 2-Year Mean Citedness (OpenAlex) |
| 2021 | 39.800 | 2-Year Mean Citedness (OpenAlex) |
| 2020 | 30.200 | 2-Year Mean Citedness (OpenAlex) |
| 2019 | 27.600 | 2-Year Mean Citedness (OpenAlex) |
Metrics are sourced from OpenAlex, DOAJ and Scopus and reflect the latest data we hold. The headline figure is a 2-year citation rate (OpenAlex), not a Clarivate Impact Factor. Always verify against the journal's official site before relying on it. See our Methodology or report a correction.
Publication & citation history by year
| Year | Works published | Citations received |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 259 | 14,103 |
| 2000 | 1,922 | 165,755 |
Journal at a Glance
Source: OpenAlex — refreshed daily.
Top Research Topics
The areas where BMJ most frequently publishes, ranked by article volume. Click a topic to see the best journals for it.
Recently Published Papers
A sample of the most recent works published in BMJ, sourced from OpenAlex.
-
Working overseas: from individual to organisational strategy
Nick Banatvala · 2001-09-29 -
Laboratory based research
N. Laurence · 2001-09-22 -
Briefing: Working Abroad Seminars
2001-09-22 -
Tips on . . .: Finances
M. Patel · 2001-09-15 -
Supervision
R. Freeth · 2001-09-15 -
Briefing: Smart Cards Update
S. Bennett · 2001-09-08
Most Cited Papers
All-time most cited works published in BMJ, ranked by citation count.
-
16,620 cites
Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: international survey
Tim James Cole · 2000 · OA -
9,143 cites
Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study
IRENE M. STRATTON · 2000 · OA -
8,256 cites
Qualitative research in health care: Analysing qualitative data
Catherine J. Pope · 2000 · OA -
5,580 cites
Human error: models and management
JAMES T. REASON · 2000 · OA -
3,805 cites
Qualitative research in health care: Assessing quality in qualitative research
Nicholas Mays · 2000 · OA -
3,565 cites
Framework for design and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health
Marion Campbell · 2000 · OA
What This Journal Publishes
Distribution of document types accepted at BMJ, based on works indexed in OpenAlex. Use this to confirm your manuscript type fits the journal's scope.
Journal Metrics
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Metadata
Last updated: Jun 07, 2026
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