Private Fees & Charges
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. 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 work the fee has to cover the doctor's costs
Q. What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The governments 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 poisition 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 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
- Some reports for the DSS/Benefits agency
- Examinations of local authority employees
Q 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 GP's have a very heavy workload- the majority of GP's work up to 60 hours a week and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-nhs work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time.
Q 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.
Q. What will I be charged?
The BMA recommends that GPs tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and
how much. It is up to the individual doctor to decide how much to charge, but the BMA produces lists of suggested fees which many doctors use.
To arrange an appointment for any of these services please speak to our reception team
CERTIFICATES
Private sick note £15
Private prescription for travel £15
Fitness to travel certificate £35
Health questionnaires for private gyms and clubs £35
Vaccination certificate £15
Certificate of incapacity £15
To whom it may concern letter £25
REPORTS WITHOUT EXAMINATION
Holiday cancellation report £30 – £50 (depending on detail)
Sickness/accident report (depending on detail) £30 – £50
OFSTED reports £75
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS WITH REPORTS
Medical examinations £128
Power of Attorney / Will capacity assesments with report £200
TRAVEL VACCINATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN NHS
Hepatitis B—course of 3 vaccinations £105
Meningitis ACWY for travel £45
OTHER SERVICES
Patients requesting to see their medical records £10
Copying notes and reports 30p per side
Private Consultations from £45