Charges For Non-NHS Services (Private Charges) Explained
Why do GPs charge fees? Your questions answered.
Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions, for example, prescription charges, and there are numerous other services for which fees are charged. This is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claim forms for referral to private care, and other letters and forms that require the GP to review the patient’s medical record.
Surely the GP is being paid anyway?
GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and must cover their costs (staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc) in the same way as any small business. The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fee has to cover the GP costs.
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 and more organisations have been involving GPs in a wide range of non-medical work.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are;
• Certain travel vaccinations
• Private medical insurance reports
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Referral for private care forms
• Letters/forms requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are;
• Medical reports for an insurance company
• Some reports from DSS/Benefits agency
• Examinations of local authority employees
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. GPs have a very heavy workload, and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
I only need a 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 Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. Therefore, to complete even the simplest forms, the GP needs to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP.
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions, for example, a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients. Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with completing forms, for example, for
insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.
How long will it take to process my request?
We aim to complete all requests within three weeks of receiving them and will promptly notify you once an update is available.
We understand that some patients may require non-NHS services to be completed urgently. While we will make every effort to complete the work promptly, we cannot guarantee that it will be done within the specified timeframe. You can search online for private medical companies that may be able to help you more quickly.
Fees
All fees must be paid by cash or card on collection.
You can find a list of our current fees below – please note that our website may not reflect accurate fees if it has not been updated.
Here’s your data formatted into a table:
| Non-NHS Work | Gross Fee Charged | VAT (20%) |
|---|---|---|
| NO FEE | ||
| Subject Access Request/Access to Health Records Request | No charge | |
| Coroners Post-mortem | No charge | |
| Council Tax Exemption | No charge | |
| Death Certificate | No charge | |
| Notification of Infectious Disease | No charge | |
| Paternity Test | No charge unless the request is pursuant to The Blood Tests (Evidence of Paternity) Regulations 1971 | |
| Jury Service Exemption | No charge | |
| Fitness to work statements for the DWP | No charge | |
| Non-NHS Work requested by patients | ||
| GP Letter | £37.25 | |
| GP Letter (non-health related purposes) | £44.70 | YES |
| Firearms Medical Information Proforma | £44.70 | YES |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)/Public Transport Service/Taxi/Racing Driver/Pilot Medical Examination | £204.00 | YES |
| Lasting Power of Attorney Application | £60.00 | |
| Police (Application to Join) Medical Form | £60.00 | |
| Private Fit Note (absent from work for less than seven days) | £30.00 to £63.00 (depending on time taken to complete/complexity of request) | |
| Seat Belt Exemption Certificate | £30.00 to £63.00 (depending on time taken to complete/complexity of request) | |
| Accident or Sickness Insurance Certificate | £30.00 to £63.00 (depending on time taken to complete/complexity of request) | |
| Travel Claim Form | £30.00 to £63.00 (depending on time taken to complete/complexity of request) | |
| Non-NHS work requested by external organisations | ||
| Insurance General Practitioner’s Report | £90.00 | |
| Insurance Supplementary Report | £30.00 | |
| Fitness to Drive Factual Report | £48.00 | YES |
| PIP Report | £40.20 | YES |
| SR1 Form | £20.40 | YES |
| Employment Report | £133.00 | YES |
| Employment Report (with examination) | £204.00 | YES |
| Form AH Adult Health Report | £115.00 | YES |
| Form AH2 Adult Health Report | £38.00 | YES |
| Cremation Form 4 Medical Certificate | £82.00 |