The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment. In recent years however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical 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.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients are:
- accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes.
- reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise.
- pre-employment medicals, as requested by employers.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:
- life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies.
- reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with disability living allowance and attendance allowance.
- medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering.
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 GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.
There is a charge for these. Please provide the Receptionist with the paperwork and you will be called for a special appointment to be arranged for you. This is not done in the middle of a normal surgery and please DO NOT book a routine appointment yourself as this will only cause embarrassment if the Doctor turns you away.
From Patients
| Type | Cost |
| Medical Records | The legal requirement is to provide patients with a copy of their data in the form they request – if they do not specify, we will provide electronically by default. We cannot charge for this – first time you ask. If you ask for additional copies, or request the same information again, we can make a charge. However, it cannot be a fixed price, it will be based on the fee regulations. These allow: £25 per hour for staff costs Cost price only for printing, copying, delivery, etc. |
| Private Referral Letter | No Fee Do I need a GP referral for private treatment? – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
| Private Sick Note | £20 |
| Letter for School | £25 |
| Letter for Child Benefit | £25 |
| DWP Letter | £40 |
| Fitness to Travel | £25 |
| Confirmation of Registration | £25 |
| Blue Badge Form | No Fee |
| Firearms Request | £40 |
| Prescribing in general practice | The GMS contract prevents contractors from charging their patients for most services. There are however limited instances where charges may be made, as set out in schedule 5 of the GMS regulations 2004. GPs may write private prescriptions for patients for drugs not available through the drug tariff. However, GPs normally do not charge their registered patients for providing such a prescription, although a dispensing doctor may charge for dispensing the prescription. GPs may charge: for drugs which are being issued in anticipation of the onset of an ailment whilst outside the UK, but for which the patient does not require treatment when the medicine is prescribed for drugs issued for the prevention of malaria. Prescribing doctors may not charge. Dispensing doctors can supply ‘black/grey’ listed drugs and charge for the supply of the drug as set out in schedule 5, section 24 of the GMS regulations 2004. |
| Taxi Medical | £140 |
| HGV Medical | £150 |
| Yellow Fever Vaccination | £84 |
| Travel MenACWYY Vaccination | £55 |
| Return to work Certificate | £20 |
| Medical Report/Detailed | £80 |
From Third Parties
| Type | Cost |
| Reports for Solicitors | £140 |
| DVLA Fitness to Drive (no consult) | £40 (set) |
| DVLA Fitness to Drive (with consult) | £85 (set) |
| Personal Independent Payment (PIP) Form | £33.50 (set) |
| Insurance Reports | £150 |
| Army Medical Forms | Set Fee |
| Doctor’s fees to certify death for cremation | £164 (this covers the cost of two forms at £82 each) |