Private Fees and Charges

Why do GPs charge fees?

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are some exceptions. For example prescription charges have existed since 1951 and in other cases charges are made because the service isn’t covered by the NHS such as medical reports for insurance companies, letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records and some travel vaccinations.

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 pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS services the Practice needs to charge a fee to cover the doctor’s 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 doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked 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 patients

• Certain travel vaccinations
• Private medical insurance reports
• Holiday cancellation forms
• Referral for private care forms
• Letters requested by or on behalf of the patient
• In certain instances fitness to work forms

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions

• Medical reports for an insurance company
• Some reports for the DWP/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. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-NHS work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time.

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. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor.

VAT

The practice is registered for VAT and, where stated, VAT is included in our fees.