Charges for non-NHS services (private charges) explained
Why do GPs charge fees? Your questions answered.
Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions, for example prescription charges, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. This is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example medical reports for insurance companies, claim forms for referral to private care and other letters and forms which require the GP to review the patients medical record.
Surely the GP is being paid anyway?
GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and have to cover their costs (staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc) in the same way as any small business. The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the GPs costs.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The governments contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a whole range of non-medical work.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are;
- Certain travel vaccinations
- Private medical insurance reports
- Holiday cancellation claim forms
- Referral for private care forms
- Letters/forms requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
- Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are;
- Medical reports for an insurance company
- Some reports from DSS/Benefits agency
- Examinations of local authority employees
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his / her patients. GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
I only need a GPs signature-what is the problem?
When a GP 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. Therefore, in order to complete even the most simplest of forms, the GP needs to check the patients entire medical record. Carelessness or inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP.
Charges at The Orchard Medical Centre
At The Orchard Medical Centre, we have a list of fees displayed at reception.
Why do I need to pay upfront?
In the past we have completed reports and forms before payment has been made, but sadly there have been many occasions when the GP has completed the work but the payment has not been made. Therefore, the fee must be paid in advance at the time of the request for the letter or form to be completed is made or when the appointment for the medical is booked.
Private fees
| Ratified by EM May 23 | Updated May 2023 |
| Subject access request (SAR’s) and Free Items | FEE |
| Subject Access Request (SAR) patient request with form completed | £0.00 |
| Subject Access Request (SAR) request from Third Party | £0.00 *£10 postage charge |
| Copy of medical records not SAR computer and paper records | £67.00 |
| Copy of medical records not SAR computer records only | £10.00 |
| Council tax Severe Mental Impairment Application | £0.00 |
| Public Health England (Research Info) | £0.00 |
| Travel Card Application (Bristol City Council) | £0.00 |
| Employment and Support Allowance applications | £0.00 |
| Standard letters and forms | |
| Medication to take overseas | £30.00 |
| Letter to support application DWP/Blue badge/Housing | £30.00 |
| Shotgun Licence | £30.00 |
| Basic letter confirming health/medical problem | £30.00 |
| Holiday Cancellation Form | £30.00 |
| Accident/Claim forms | £30.00 |
| Health Questionnaire | £30.00 |
| Any form for completion by GP including signature only* | £30.00 |
| Medical examinations | |
| HGV/Taxi Licence (patient must have paperwork) | £130.00 |
| Foster/Childminder | £90.00 |
| Insurance 30 minutes | £135.00 |
| Insurance 45 minutes | £165.00 |
| Medical reports (no examination) | |
| Report for 30 mins | £120.00 |
| Report for 1 hour (changed from 45 mins) | £200.00 |
| Insurance provider request | |
| Basic Health Questionnaire | £30 |
| General Practioners Report (GPR) | £120.00 |
| Medical Report | £120.00 |
| Per additional question | £30.00 |
| Court of protection form | |
| Court of Protection Form | discuss with practice manager |
| Power of attorney | |
| Examination in surgery (30 mins) | £120.00 |
| Examination at home 1 hour (changed from 45 min s) | £200.00 |
| Without examination (30mins +) | £60.00 |
| Photocard driving licence (can’t do passport) | |
| Photocard Driving Licence (not Passports) | £30.00 |
| Private consultation (overseas visitor) | |
| Basic fee per 1 consultation | £60.00 |
| Basic fee for 1 hour | £200.00 |
| Private prescriptions & sick notes | |
| Private prescriptions | £30.00 |
| Private Sick notes | £30.00 |
| Private cervical smear | |
| Private fees (cheque payable to north Bristol Trust) | £50.00 |
| TOMC Nursing fees (payable to TOMC) | £40.00 |
| Private blood tests | |
| Pathology Fee (depending on test) | TBA |
| TOMC Nursing fees (payable to TOMC) | £40.00 |