Non-NHS Services

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Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Vaccination certificates

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Why do GPs Sometimes Charge Fees?

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 coversthese costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.

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 tha tGPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, orbecause 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:

• Accident/sickness insurance certificates
• Some Travel Vaccination
• Private medical insurance reports

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

• Medical report for an insurance company
• Report for the DSS/Benefits Agency
• Examination of local authority employee

BMA suggest fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, the fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested. The BMA recommends that GPs tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and how much. It is up the individual doctor to decide how much to charge. Surgeries should have lists of fees available for patients.

Please note:

• Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
• For Passport and naturalization applications a GP has to have known the patient or in the case of child the parents for a certain period of time. The GP has the right to refuse if he/she has not known the patient for the defined period of time or if he/she feels they would not be able to recognize the child from the photograph.
• Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight: urgent requests may mean that a doctor has to make special arrangement to process the form quickly, and this will cost more. Please be aware that some reports may take more time, as the doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical records. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC) or even the police. 

The Barkantine practice: Non-NHS Fees

Last updated: 07.08.2019