Non-NHS Services

We have a contract with The Somerset CCG to provide for the medical care of our patients under the National Health Service.

Services not included in the NHS contract may be provided on a private basis with an appropriate fee charged.

Why do GP’s charge fees? Your questions answered

Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions, for example prescription charges, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. This is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example claim forms for referral to private care and other letters and forms which require the GP to review the patient’s medical record.

Surely the GP is being paid anyway?

GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and 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 GP’s costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The government’s contract with GP’s covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a whole range of non-medical work.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are:

Private medical insurance reports
Holiday cancellation claim forms
Referral for private care forms
Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:

Medical reports for an insurance company
Some reports from DSS/Benefits agency
Examinations of local authority employees

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. GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.

I only need a GPs signature – what is the problem?

When a GP 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 most simplest of forms, the GP needs to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP.

Why do I need to pay upfront?

In the past we have completed reports and forms before payment has been made, but sadly there has been many occasions when the GP has completed the work but the payment has not been made. Therefore, the fee must be paid in advance at the time of the request for the letter or form to be completed is made or when the appointment for the medical is booked.

The following gives an outline of fees charged as at 1st July 2016. Fees may vary. VAT is included. Fees marked by an * are exempt of VAT.

Certificates (without examination)	Ex VAT	Inc VAT
Private sick note	£45.00*
Firearms Licence	£41.67	£50.00
Reports
To whom it may concern letter	£37.50	£45.00
Detailed or complex report or letter		a quote will be provided
Medical Examinations/Procedures
Langport Surgery no longer offers private medicals.
Comprehensive examination and report	£165.00	£198.00
Private 15 minute Consultation with Doctor	£54.00	£64.80
Private 15 minute Consultation with Nurse	£39.60	£47.52
Private ECG	£80.00	£96.00
Private blood test		a quote will be provided
Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney: Standard	£142.00	£170.40
Power of Attorney: Home visit (*Plus Mileage @45p per mile)	£240.00	£288*