Fees For Non-NHS Services Explained
Last Updated: Tuesday, 06 August 2024Why do I have to pay?
The NHS will provide most health care to people free of charge; however there are a few exceptions.
The NHS will cover the costs for NHS work but not the costs for any non-NHS work. Subsequently, any fee charged for non-NHS work will cover the GP’s costs for providing the service.
Charges are made to cover the costs of the treatment to the patient, or because the service is not covered by the NHS.
GP’s are self employed and as such have to cover the increasing costs of staff, buildings, heat and light etc.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The government’s contract with GP’s covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GP’s are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
Examples of non-NHS Services for which GP’s can charge their patients are:
Medicals for pre-employment driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
To Whom it May Concern letters
Accident/ sickness insurance certificates
Some travel vaccinations
Examples of non-NHS Services for which GP’s can charge other institutions are:
Medical reports for insurance agencies
DVLA reports and medicals
Examinations of local authority employees
How are charges decided?
The British Medical Association (BMA) issue guidelines on suggested fees although each individual practice will set their own charges for each of the services they provide. Burney Street Practice carries out periodic reviews of charges and endeavours to follow a fair charging policy.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GP’s have a very heavy workload, the majority of GP’s work can add up to 60 hours a week and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-NHS work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time.
I only need the doctor’s signature, what is the problem?
When a GP is required to complete a certificate or a report it is a condition remaining on the Medical Register that they sign only what they know to be true and accurate from a patient’s medical record.
Inaccurate reporting can have serious consequences for the GP from the General Medical Council or even the police.
The GP may have to check the patient’s medical record and this can be very time consuming in addition to their already heavy clinical workload.
The Practice endeavours to provide a 4-6 week turnaround for this type of work. We are aware that there may be occasions when a request is deemed as urgent, however if not given adequate time then this may not be possible to complete at short notice.
Note
We do not provide letters to support housing applications unless we are written to by the housing association or council, together with a letter of consent from the patient.
We do not provide letters supporting immigration applications
We do not sign passport application forms
Private Fees/Non NHS service price list
The services shown are not provided under the National Health Service (NHS) contract and the following fees will be charged.
Fee is paid prior to delivery of service unless by prior written agreement, where payment will be via invoice
As this is private work not covered under the NHS contract, it can take up to 6 weeks to be completed.
We will contact you either via telephone or text message when it is ready to be collected. All fees are to be paid on collection.