Private Non-NHS Work / Administration Fees

About Charging Fees

The NHS provides most health care free of charge. However there are a number of other services for which fees can be charged. These are mainly for services not covered by the NHS, such as medical reports for insurance companies and other administrative tasks.

Doctors are involved in a whole range of non-medical work, largely on the basis that they occupy a position of trust within the community, and are in the position to verify the accuracy of information. If a GP signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a professional duty that s(he) checks the accuracy of such information. This may involve examining the patient's entire medical record.

 

What do I have to pay for?

There are a number of services which GPs are obliged to provide free of charge. 

If a patient is off work for seven days or less the GP does not have to provide a sick note. A patient can be refused a note or charged for a private one for illnesses of seven days or less.

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.

 

How long will my form take to complete?

The time it takes to complete the forms can vary so we cannot provide an expected time as it varies dependent on the GP's workload. 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. You will receive a call from one of our administration team once your form or report has been completed.

 

What If I only need a GP's signature?

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.

Therefore it will take as long as any other form to complete.

 

What is the charge for my form?

For an up to date list on the fees we charge for various forms and medical examinations, please click here.