We regularly receive requests from patients around Private Fees for Non-NHS Services and thought it might be helpful to provide some answers to your frequently asked questions.
Please note, we aim to complete requests for non-NHS work within 28 working days of payment being received. We may do it quicker, and sometimes may take longer.
We will inform you when your documents are ready for collection. Please do not phone to chase before 28 days.
Thank you
FAQ
Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The NHS provides most health services to people free of charge, but there are some exceptions; for example medical reports for insurance companies.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. Sometimes the only reason that a GP is asked to provide information is because they hold a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company wants to be sure that the information provided to them is true and correct.
Examples of Non-NHS services which GPs can charge their NHS patients:
- Accident/sickness insurance certificates and reports
- Private medical insurance reports
- Medicals for HGV/Taxi/PSV
- Elderly driver medicals
- Holiday cancellation forms
- Driving licence forms
- Certain travel/occupational vaccinations
Examples of non-NHS services which GPs can charge other institutions:
- Medical reports for an insurance company
- Certain reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
- Examinations for Local Authority/Ofsted Reports
Why does it take so long for my GP to complete a form or report?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the care of our NHS patients. Our GPs have a heavy workload – paperwork takes up an increasing amount of time.
I only need a doctor’s signature – what is the problem?
When a doctor signs a certificate or report, it is a condition of the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor might have to read a patient’s entire medical record.