It has a contract with them to provide NHS general medical services for their patients. Sometimes, however, GPs are asked to provide additional services, which fall outside their contract with the NHS, and in these circumstances, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them.
WHY DO GPS SOMETIMES CHARGE FEES? -YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government's contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs 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 accurate.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are:
- Accident/sickness insurance certificates
- Private medical insurance reports
- Statements of fact relating to general health e.g., for children’s dance classes, additional support for school/college/university or employer.
- Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
- Holiday cancellation claim forms
- Private medical certificates
- Private medical examinations
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:
- Medical reports for an insurance company
- Some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
- Examinations of occupational health
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 their patients. Most GPs have a heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
I only need the doctor's signature - what is the problem?
When you request a doctor to sign a certificate or complete a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient's entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
What will I be charged?
Fees for letters currently start from £50*
Fees for private medical start from £100*
Fees for private certificates start from £50*
*Fees are dependent on content requested and the time it takes to ascertain this information.
If you have any queries regarding the information above or the costs of the service you require, please contact the surgery and ask to speak to one of the secretaries.