Non NHS Services

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions such as prescription charges.

The NHS does not employ GPs but has a contract with them to provide NHS general medical services for their patients. Sometimes, however, GPs are asked to provides additional services, which fall outside their contract with the NHS, and in these circumstances, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them.

It is up to the individual practice to decide how much to charge, although the BMA produces lists of suggested fees for the Doctors to use as a guideline.

When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire medical record to ensure that they are providing accurate information. GPs will not be able to complete forms overnight, so please ensure that you give them reasonable notice.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

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

  • Only NHS travel vaccines (Practice Nurse will confirm what is required)
  • Private medical insurance reports
  • HGV Medicals
  • Holiday cancellation claim forms
  • Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales.

  • There is no need to book an appointment with a GP to request a medical report or letter. There is a request form available from Reception to complete to request this additional service.