Non-NHS Services

Your questions answered

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 isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.

It is important to understand that GP’s 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 the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The government’s contract with GP’s 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 GP’s 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 GP’s can charge for

Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
Insurance claim forms
Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
Private sick notes
Vaccination certificates
TWIMC Letters

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?

Our GP’s are busy providing medical services to patients under the NHS contract. Private work is undertaken outside of or in addition to NHS time, which may be scarce for personal or professional reasons. We will try our hardest to turn around private work as efficiently as possible, but we cannot guarantee the work will always be done as rapidly as a patient hopes. We advise patients that completion could take up to 4 - 6 weeks depending on practice capacity.

I only need the doctor’s signature-what is the problem