Non NHS Fees and Charges

The Government’s contract with GP’s covers medical services to NHS patients however, in recent years more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a wide range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GP’s are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community or because an insurance company, employer or public body wants to ensure that the information provided to them is true and accurate.

The following Questions and Answers are taken from advice by the British Medical Association (BMA) to help patients understand the fees charged by GP’s.

1. Do GP’s have to do non-NHS work for their patients? With certain limited exceptions such as a GP confirming that a patient is not fit for jury service GP’s DO NOT have to carry out non-NHS work. Many GP’s however will always attempt to assist their patients and carry out this work.

2. Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form/letter? Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of patients. GP’s have an ever-increasing workload of forms, which must be prioritised against offering appointments.

3. I only need the GP’s signature – What’s the problem? When a GP signs a certificate, completes a report or writes a letter it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register (which allows them to practice as a doctor) that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms the doctor may have to check a patient’s entire medical record. Last Updated June 2022 Carelessness or inaccuracy can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctor’s regulatory body) or even the Police.

4. Who sets the fees and why do different doctors charge different fees? The BMA suggest fees that may be charged in certain circumstances However these are intended for guidance only. Doctors are not obliged to charge the rates suggested by the BMA and the fee levels will generally reflect the amount of work and time involved.

5. What notice is needed for completion of reports and letters ? To allow the practice to plan the GP’s time 4 weeks’ notice is required although many are completed within this time. Where a patient has an urgent request this should be explained to the receptionist who will note the request however it is not always possible for other more clinically urgent work to be delayed.

Non-NHS Fees

In accordance with British Medical Association (BMA) guidelines, the following non-NHS services are chargeable. Fees are subject to change, so please confirm with reception before proceeding.

Certificates, Letters, and Forms

To Whom It May Concern letters: £35
Firearms Forms: £89
HGV, LGV, PSV, Taxi Driver, and Driver Licence Medicals: £140
Sickness/Accident Claim Forms or Letters (e.g., for holiday cancellations): £89

Insurance Reports

Private Life Insurance, Mortgage Health Forms, Income Protection, or Solicitor Forms: £140.
Private Medical Insurance Claim Forms (e.g., Bupa, AXA, Aviva): £89

Medical Examinations

Detailed written report (no examination): £89
Detailed written report with examination: £140

Fees for other non-NHS administrative reports or requests will be confirmed by the Practice upon receipt of your request.

Adoption and Fostering

Form AH (Health Assessment): £130.00 (prospective carer) | £130.00
Form AH2 (Update Report): £42..00

Passport Services: We do not provide passport signing services.

Important Information

Payment: All fees must be paid in advance via card or bank transfer.

The turnaround time will be up to 21 days from receipt of payment based on clinical capacity and NHS Workload.