The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority of people free of charge, but there are exceptions. If GPs are asked to provide additional services which fall outside their contract, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge.

Your questions answered:

Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?

The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority people free of charge, but there are exceptions: for example, medical reports for insurance companies.

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 GPs 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
• private medical insurance reports
• 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
• occupational health examinations

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

When a GP signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the General Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the GP might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP 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

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.