Non NHS Services – Chargeable

Historically the practice has undertaken private work for a minimal fee which has not covered the expense of doing the work and therefore resulted in a loss to the practice. Unfortunately, because of a chronic year on year defunding of primary care the practice is no longer able to do this work at a loss. The new fees reflect the true cost of doing this work.

Category A £95

This represents the lowest fee that any work will be charged at. This is for simple reports where the notes do not have to be reviewed in any detail.

This includes requests for additional information from insurance companies BUT the fee is for EACH individual request for more information. So if an insurance company asks for clarification on two different medical conditions in one letter the fee will be £190.

Category B £155

The notes need to be reviewed in detail and or there is significant responsibility in signing the form. This includes travel insurance claims, gun licence reviews, suitability to participate.

Category C £195

This covers reports from outside agencies for example insurance companies asking for detailed information from the notes.

This includes insurance reports

Category D £265

Any report where the patient needs to be examined face to face. This includes capacity assessment, medicals, HGV.

ALL URGENT requests (report needed within 7 days) are double the above fees.

Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive. Any service required by patients which is not included in the General Medical Services contract and therefore provided privately may attract a fee. If you require a service not detailed on this statement, please via our online request portal

Surely the Doctor is being paid anyway?

It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the Doctor’s costs.

In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving Doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked to do non-medical work 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 GPs can charge their NHS patients are:

• accident/sickness insurance certificates
• certain travel vaccinations
• private medical insurance reports
• statements of fact relating to general health e.g. for children’s dance classes
• Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Referral for private care forms

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 his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload – the majority work up to 70 hours a week – and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.

I only need the Doctor’s signature – what is the problem?

When a Doctor signs a certificate or completes 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 can I do to help?

• If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once.
• Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight

Examples of Non-NHS Services include the following: 

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.) 
• Insurance Claim Forms 
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad 
• Private Sick Notes 
• Vaccination Certificates 

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and Practice Reception Staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.