Private Fees

Why do GPs sometimes 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: prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example, dental fees; in other cases, it is because the service is not covered by the NHS, 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.

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 NHS patients are:
·accident/sickness insurance certificates
·certain travel vaccinations
·private medical insurance reports

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 local authority employees

Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?

The BMA suggests fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under a GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, these fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested. You can read more here about BMA suggested fees at:
http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/noagreement

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 will I be charged?

ACCESS TO RECORDS UNDER DATA PROTECTION
Access electronic records	10
Access paper records	10
Photocopies of paper records – maximum charge	50
Photocopies of notes per side	.35
CERTIFICATES AND FORMS
British Legion Form (electric wheelchair/mobility aids)	16
Certificate of Existence	30
Claim Form (BUPA etc)	30
DanceSchoolquestionnaire	30
Freedom from infection certificate	9.5
Lighterlife Health Questionnaire	89.00
Meat Hygiene certificate	15
Mr Mattress VAT Exemption	9
Private sick note	15
Riders and Carriage Drivers form	9
Sickness / Accident insurance benefit claim form (I certify)	32
SWWA discount for hospitalised or nursing home patients	20
Toddler group – long term care plan	30
DRIVING
Diabetes Motor Insurance exam	95.50
Diabetes Motor Insurance report	32
Elderly Driver Medical	100
Elderly Driver – certificate only	60
HGV/PSV licence	100
HGV/PSV licence - report only	60
Seat belt exemption Medical	100
Taxi licence	60
INSURANCE REPORTS
Extract from records, short certificate (5 minutes)	Up to £50
Insurance reports	97.00
Insurance report copy for patient	10 + photocopying charges
Insurance reports (supplementary)	30
Pro-forma report, no exam	50
MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND REPORTS - PAYMENT FOR ALL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE OF APPOINTMENT
Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) Report	89.00
Coroners report	67.50
Coroners report (extract from records only)	30
Council Disabled parking bay	20
Council Tax Discount for severe mental impairment or resident in NH	20
Education Maintenance Allowance report	20
Employment medical – ¾ hour	100
Employment medical – ½ hour	63.50
Employment report	60
Fitness to attend school/university/sports - examination	100
Fitness to attend school/university/sports – report	60
Fitness to attend school/university/sports – extract from records	30
Ofsted (Child Minders) - report	65
PADI Diving report	50
Pilot Licence report	100
Police Medical History report	35 - 50
Power of Attorney - examination	100
Power of Attorney - report	100
Residential Report to Abbeyfield etc	25
Sidmouth Voluntary Services – examination	30
S/S Benefits – patient incapable of managing affairs – exam and report	37.90
S/S Benefits – patient incapable of managing affairs - report only	7.50
Sports diving medical	65
Sports medical and report	110
Student unfit to take exam	19
Witnessing Will or confirming patient capable of making Will	100

MISCELLANEOUS	MISCELLANEOUS
Acupuncture Referral – GP recommendation - report	30
Character Reference	16
PRIVATE LETTER RATE (Excluding Solicitors and Insurance Companies)
Quarter page	30
Half page	60
Full page	110
2 pages	163.50
Jury Service letter	No charge
PRIVATE LETTER RATE – Solicitors and Insurance Companies
Quarter page	50
Half page	100
Full page	140
2 pages	180
PRIVATE PATIENTS
Private Blood Test plus lab costs	20
Private Blood group plus lab costs	20
Private ECG	70
Private GP Domiciliary Home Visit	80
Private GP consultation (+ triage call if appropriate)	50
Private GP Triage phone call only	10
Private nurse consultation	25
Private Prescription and advice	15
Private smear test plus lab costs	25
TRAVEL
Holidaycancellation insurance claim/certificate	30 or 60 if double sided
Fitness to travel report	30 or 60 if double sided
Fitness letters and examination	100
Repatriation Form (request from Insurance Company)	40
Vaccination certificate	15

Updated 12^th September 2011