Non-NHS Services
GPs are contracted by the NHS to carry out Primary Care Services, which carry no charge to the patient. Some requests do not fall under the remit of NHS services and as such they are classed as private work and a fee is chargeable
Why is there a fee?
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.
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 to do non-medical work 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
- statements of fact relating to general health e.g. for children’s dance classes
- Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
- Holiday cancellation claim forms
- Referral for private care forms
- medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV)
- prescriptions for taking medicines abroad
- private sick notes
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 occupational health
How long might this take?
We aim complete requests in four weeks (for Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information Requests there is a different timeframe).
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 can I do to help?
- If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once.
- Submit your forms in good time, to allow for processing
Examples of Non-NHS Services 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
Additionally, some vaccinations, such as for travel purposes, are not routine and also carry a charge. You will be advised of any charges at your initial appointment with a nurse.
Mental Capacity Assessments
Mental capacity assessments can be requested for a variety of different reasons and are decision specific. For GPs, it is an essential part of the role to perform capacity assessments which relate to specific decisions regarding medical investigations, treatment, and care. However, capacity assessments relating to overall welfare, finances and property are often more complex and sit outside the expertise of a GP. Legal capacity assessments do not fall within the NHS duties of GPs. There are other professionals who can perform mental capacity assessments including solicitors and psychiatrists. As a surgery we do not have the capacity or expertise to offer Mental Capacity Assessments, and our priority must be to our core NHS duties as a health care provider.
Please contact our reception team if you have any further questions.
