The NHS is supposed to be free, why am I being charged?
The National Health Service (NHS) 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 because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example producing medical reports for insurance companies, solicitors or employers.
GPs are not employed by the NHS. The NHS pays our doctors to do specific NHS work. For non-NHS work, we will charge a fee to cover the GP costs, such as staff, buildings, heating, lighting- in the same way as any small business.
If a GP signs a certificate or completes a report it is a professional duty that s(he) checks the accuracy of such information. This may involve examining the patient’s entire medical record and can take considerable time.
GPs are not employed by the NHS. The NHS pays our doctors to do specific NHS work. For non-NHS work, we will charge a fee to cover the GP costs, such as staff, buildings, heating, lighting- in the same way as any small business.
If a GP signs a certificate or completes a report it is a professional duty that s(he) checks the accuracy of such information. This may involve examining the patient’s entire medical record and can take considerable time.
Why does it take so long?
Time spent examining medical records, completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from providing medical care and appointments to their patients. GPs have a heavy workload, and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
I only need a signature
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, to complete even the simplest forms, the GP needs to check the patient’s entire medical record.
Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP.
Therefore, to complete even the simplest forms, the GP needs to check the patient’s entire medical record.
Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the GP.
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 patients.
Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms for insurance purposes, requests are outside the NHS contract and are therefore at the discretion of the practice.
Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms for insurance purposes, requests are outside the NHS contract and are therefore at the discretion of the practice.
What if I don’t agree with what has been written?
The doctor can only write what they know to be true from your medical records, what you inform them of and their personal clinical knowledge of you. They are a one-off service and cannot be rewritten or refunded.
We do not and cannot guarantee your success with the recipient of the letter.
However, if you wish to discuss anything we have written, you can ask to speak with our Patient Services Manager, Mandy Curtis.
We do not and cannot guarantee your success with the recipient of the letter.
However, if you wish to discuss anything we have written, you can ask to speak with our Patient Services Manager, Mandy Curtis.
Fit to Fly Letters and Certificates
If you are pregnant, please request these with your midwife or hospital team.
We are often asked to provide ‘fit-to-fly’ letters for patients travelling on holiday with various medical conditions..
This work is not part of the NHS contract nor covered by their professional indemnity. Even if a doctor carried out a thorough history, examination and investigations, doctors are still not in a position to guarantee that a patient is ‘fit to fly’.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have useful information for passengers due to fly with health conditions (broken bones, recent surgery etc). Most airlines provide information on their website for passengers who have medical conditions which may affect their fitness to fly, including any specific requirements the airline has for medical clearance or provision of ‘fit to fly’ certificates.
Note: You should inform your travel insurance of any pre-existing medical conditions before you travel. Whether intentional or not, non-disclosure can potentially mean you’re not covered in the case of a medical emergency.
We are often asked to provide ‘fit-to-fly’ letters for patients travelling on holiday with various medical conditions..
This work is not part of the NHS contract nor covered by their professional indemnity. Even if a doctor carried out a thorough history, examination and investigations, doctors are still not in a position to guarantee that a patient is ‘fit to fly’.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have useful information for passengers due to fly with health conditions (broken bones, recent surgery etc). Most airlines provide information on their website for passengers who have medical conditions which may affect their fitness to fly, including any specific requirements the airline has for medical clearance or provision of ‘fit to fly’ certificates.
Note: You should inform your travel insurance of any pre-existing medical conditions before you travel. Whether intentional or not, non-disclosure can potentially mean you’re not covered in the case of a medical emergency.