The NHS provides most health services to people free of charge, but there are some exceptions.  Prescription charges have existed since 1951. 

Sometimes a charge is made because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example  medical reports for Insurance Companies.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The Governments contract with GP's 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.

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 GP's have a heavy workload - paperwork takes up an increasing amount of time.

I only need a doctors signature - what is the problem?

When a doctor signs a certificate of 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 patients entire medical record.

Examples of Non - NHS services which GP's can charge their NHS patients:

• Accident/sickness insurance certificates and reports
• Certain travel/holiday vaccinations
• Private medical insurance reports
• Reports for 'fitness to start a diet regime'
• Medicals for HGV/Taxi/PSV
• Elderly Driver Medicals
• Holiday Cancellation forms
• Shotgun Certificate verification
• Driving Licence forms

Examples of non - NHS services which GP's can charge other institutions:

• Medical reports for an insurance company
• Some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
• Examinations for local authority/Ofsted reports

The fee's charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our Patient Support or Administration Team will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Click HERE to view a list of fees. A fee listed does not mean that the Practice is obliged to carry out this work, it will depend on the current capacity within the service.