About Our Surgery

Practice Policies & Patient Information

Our Policy & Why do GPs charge fees?
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. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.

It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self employed, and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting – 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 doctor’s costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. 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 patients:
Certain travel vaccinations
Private medical insurance reports
Holiday cancellation forms
Referral for private care forms / letters
Letters requested by or on behalf of, the patient
In certain instances fitness to work forms

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions:
Medical reports for an insurance company
Some reports for the 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. Most GPs have a very heavy workload- the majority of our GPs work up to 60 hours a week and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-NHS work must be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time. We aim to complete private requests within 30 calendar days, but this is dependent on NHS requirements which take priority.

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. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor, with the General Medical Council or even the Police.

Why do some letters cost £25 and others £50 or more?
Each request is very different and some requests can be completed very quickly as the medical history of the patient is very small and known to the GP. However, where a GP has to review a large medical history to ensure accuracy of any comment they make in a letter; or the content of the letter is extensive we must consider how much time it has taken to complete this work. Your cost includes the time the GP takes to review the request, review your medical record, to dictate a letter and the time for the admin team to type up the letter where necessary and printing/postage costs where necessary.

I have had a request for a letter declined – why is that?
All private requests are at the absolute discretion of the GP and they reserve the right to decline a request.

There are also several letter types we do not provide as they are not effective use of GP time and/or they are not necessary.
These include but are not limited to:

Letters to schools and colleges regarding absence
Letters regarding sickness absence during the period of self certification
Letters to schools/nurseries regarding non prescribed medications. (Please note that where a medication has been prescribed, a copy of the prescription and the medication with the administering instructions is sufficient for a school/nursery and they should not require an additional letter).
We may not be able to help where a specialist opinion is necessary e.g. fitness to undertake extreme sports etc

Fees & Charges List
Access to Medical Records Under GDPR – No Charge 
To Whom It May Concern Letter – £30.00
Private Sickness Certificate – £30.00
Freedom of Infection Certificate – £40.00
Fitness to Carry Out Sporting Activities – £40.00
Letter regarding Medical Fitness – £40.00
Shotgun Certificate – £60.00
Certificate of Incapacity – £30.00
Assessment of Mental Capacity (No Examination) – £100.00
Assessment of Mental Capacity (Form & Examination) – £175.00
Power of Attorney Examination & Certificate – £80.00
Power of Attorney Witness – £40.00
Private Medical Claim Form (Basic) – £48.00
Private Medical Claim Form (Complex) – £60.00
Report on Proforma – £90.00
Extract from Records – £70.00
Report without examination – £140.00
Examination and Report – £180.00
Short Certificate- £40.00
GP Supplementary Reports – £30.00 
Holiday Cancellation Form (Basic) – £30.00
Holiday Cancellation Form (Complex) – £60.00
Vaccination Certificate – £30.00
Letter regarding Medical Fitness – £40.00
Fitness to Fly Letter – £40.00
PADI Fitness for Diving Medical Statement – £50.00
VISA Medical Report for Migrating/Travel – £50.00 
Full Physical Medical Examination – £115.00
Childminder OFSTED Declaration Form – £114.00
Initial Health Assessment Form – £100.00
Form AH2 Update Report – £35.00 
Full Physical Medical Examination (HGV/PSV/Taxi) – £120.00
Limited Physical Examination with Report – £85.00
DVLA Medical (Over 75) – £60.00
Seat Belt Exemption – £60.00
Private Blood Tests – Available On Request