Services which are outwith the NHS contract
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge but there are exceptions. The majority of GPs are self-employed and contract to provide NHS General Medical Services for their patients.
Sometimes, GPs are asked to provide additional services which fall outwith their contract and, in these circumstances, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them.
Standard non NHS letter for contracting non NHS services
Macduff Medical Practice Non NHS Charges
Fitness to Travel
We do not provide Fitness to Travel letters
We do not provide fitness to work abroad letters or certificates
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 medical reports for insurance companies.
Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?
It is important to understand that the majority of GP Practices are not employed by the NHS; rather they are contracted to offer a range of services. In effect they are self-employed and have overheads to cover – salaries, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but not for non-NHS work, where the fee has to be levied.
In recent years, 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 be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are:
- accident/sickness insurance certificates
- certain travel vaccinations
- private medical insurance reports
- Statements of fact relating to general health e.g. for children’s dance classes
- Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient
- Holiday cancellation claim forms
- Referral for private care forms
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:
- medical reports for an insurance company
- some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
- examinations of occupational health
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 or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload – the majority work up to 70 hours a week – and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. Many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.
I only need the doctor’s signature – what is the problem?
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 – or even the Police.
What can I do to help?
- If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once.
- Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight.
Spanish Visa Medical Certificates IHR 2005
Please be advised that we do not undertaken any work pertaining to the IHR 2005 legal form. This is particularly for anyone applying for a Visa for Spain. You may wish to visit the medispot website for any help on this matter.
