Why GPs sometimes charge fees
Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?
It is important to understand that many 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 fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment.
GP Practices are businesses that have to cover their costs for staff, buildings etc., in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but not for non-NHS work. The fees charged by GPs contribute towards these costs.
In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical, non-NHS 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 ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients.
Whilst we will endeavour to assist our patients as much as possible, the request may be declined in some circumstances. For instance, we may decline to sign fitness to perform activities forms such as parachute jumping or marathon as they may need to be done doctors who have specialist training in these areas.
We do not verify identity so will not be able to sign forms that require verification of identity such as passport forms.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients:
- Life Insurance forms
- accident or sickness certificates for insurance purposes
- school fee and holiday insurance certificates
- reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
Why can it 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 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.
NHS medical care of our patients always takes priority during our working day so any private letters or forms can take up to three weeks to complete and return to you. We cannot guarantee they will be completed earlier.
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 (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the Police. Inaccurate information also affect the patients
For up to date fees chargeable by the practice , please contact reception.