Non NHS Services – Chargeable

Services which are outwith the NHS Contract

The NHS provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions such as prescription charges. The NHS does not employ GP’s but has a contract with them to provide NHS general medical services for their patients. Sometimes GP’s are asked to provide additional services which fall outside their contract with the NHS. In these circumstances they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them. It is up to the individual practice to decide how much to charge, although the BMA produces lists of suggested fees for the doctors to use as a guideline.

When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire medical record to ensure they are providing accurate information.GP’s will not be able to complete forms immediately so please ensure you give them reasonable notice.

The following are examples of non-NHS services GP’s can charge their NHS patients: 

• Certain travel vaccinations
• Private medical insurance reports
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Referral for private care forms
• Letter requested by, or on behalf of the patient
• Simple certificates such as fitness to fly
• HGV Medicals

The following are examples of non-NHS charges can charge other institutions: 

• Medical reports for Insurance Companies
• Some reports for DSS/Benefits agency
• Examinations of company employees

Charges at Wallingford Medical Practice

If you require your GP to complete a form or report which falls outside the GP’s NHS contract the appropriate fee will be charged. Please note that payment for all non-NHS work are payable in advance before any work is started. An invoice will be raised and payment can be made either by cheque, cash or credit/debit card at the reception desk. A receipt will be issued for any payments made.

If you have any problems regarding the contents of this page or need further explanation please contact the practice and ask to speak to the Practice Manager.

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 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!