Payment of fees for non-NHS work by GPs
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions: prescription charges have existed since 1951 and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged.
Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees; in other cases, it is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example, providing copies of health records or producing medical reports for insurance companies.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of on going 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
- school fee and holiday insurance certificates
- reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
- To Whom It May Concern letters, for example to schools or higher educational establishments
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of formsthey are not required to do non-NHS work unless there is a limited exception, for example confirming fitness to attend jury service.
Please refer to our non-NHS fee work structure (PDF). Please note this list is not exhaustive and charges will vary according to the level of work required.
For more information visit the BMA Website.
Online requests for GP letters
If you need your GP to write a letter for you, please use the Accurx service.
If you require your GP to complete any other paperwork, for example an insurance claim or a medical report then you will need to bring or send this paperwork to the surgery. Please do not use this online service to make a request for this work.
There will be a charge for this work, depending on the level of work required and we will contact you to confirm the payment rate. Depending on the nature of this request your GP may request to see you.
Once a request is submitted someone will be in contact in 2 to 3 working days via the website to confirm a charge for the work requested. We aim to complete these requests within 7 to 10 working days. However, during busy periods it may take up to 21 working days.