Fees and charges
Fees and Charges for Non NHS work
Why Fees are charged?
GPs primary responsibility is to provide NHS services, and they are not obligated to perform tasks outside of that framework, such as completing medical reports for private insurance. While they may assist patients with completing forms, they are not compelled to undertake non-NHS work, including providing reports for insurance purposes. GPs are entitled to charge a fee for such services if they choose to provide them.
Do GP’s have to complete non NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions such as confirming that a patient is not fit for jury service GP’s do not have to carry out non NHS work. Many GP’s however will always attempt to assist their patients with this work.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form/letter?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of patients. GP’s have an ever increasing workload of forms which must be prioritised against offering appointments.
I only need the GP’s signature, what’s the problem?
When a GP signs a certificate, completes a report or writes a letter it is a condition of remaining on the medical register (which allows them to practice as a doctor) that they only sign what they know to be true. To complete even the simplest of forms the GP may have to check a patient’s entire medical record.
Carelessness or inaccuracy can have serious consequences for the doctor with the general medical council (the doctor regulatory body) of even the police.
Who sets the fees and why do some doctors charge different fees?
The BMA suggests fees that may be charged in certain circumstances; however these are intended for guidance only. Doctors are not obliged to charges the rates suggested by the BMA and the fees will generally reflect the amount of work and time involved.
What notice is needed for completion of reports and letters?
To allow the practice to plan the GP’s time 6 weeks’ notice is required although many are completed before this time. Where a patient has an urgent request this should be explained to the receptionist who will note the request however it is not always possible for other more clinically urgent work to be delayed.
