Private Fees (Non NHS work) – Information for patients and third parties.
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing 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.
The BMA (British Medical Association) suggest fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, the fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested. The BMA recommends that GPs tell patients and third parties in advance if they will be charged, and how much. It is up to the individual doctor to decide how much to charge.
Private requests can be submitted at reception or via the following reception email address reception.z00382@gp.hscni.net. Please ensure all patient information sections have been completed and that consent or declaration forms have been signed. If you do not have a form it will be necessary to submit your request in writing giving as much detail as possible regarding what is required. You may be asked to complete a short information form which will help to action your request as quickly as possible. An initial £20 deposit is required and if applicable any additional payment will need to be received before any request is completed (BACS transfer payment can be made). We may also be in contact if for example a medical appointments is required.
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions for example, a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients.
Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.
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 and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to complete this work outside of and in addition to their normal hours.
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 (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the police.
A list of our current fees (to be reviewed again in April 2022) is provided below:
All fees must be paid in advance of work being completed and supplied.
We accept credit card and payment by BACS only. We do not accept cash or cheques.
We reserve the right to suspend, extend processing times for private/Non NHS work at any time due to busy periods.
Just like other professionals, such as accountants and solicitors, a charge is made for the Doctors time and also professional responsibility. Charges for private work is as follows and payment is expected in advance:
Driving Medical (HGV/PSV/Taxi) £120
Employment Medicals £164.50
Forms (Health Declarations, Insurance, Travel Cancellation etc from £25
Travel Prescription non NHS per item £20
Blood Grouping £20
Private consultations £50
Private blood test from £20
Private Prescriptions from £20
Receipts available
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to help you with any queries. Please be aware that the Doctors always prioritise their NHS work which means that completion of private forms and letters may sometimes be delayed and no time scale is available.
£20 deposit fee will be required for each private request. This will be non-refundable if work has been completed and is then cancelled by the patient.