Private Service Fees
The Doctors at this Surgery work exclusively for the NHS. Consequently, some of the services requested by patients fall outside the NHS remit and will not only take longer than our usual NHS work (please allow a between 5 working days and two weeks for letters or forms to be completed), but a charge will also be made as follows:
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We accept payment by Cash, Cheque or Debit Card. Please speak to a receptionist at the surgery for more information.
Reviewed July 2024
Please pre-populate as much information as you can on forms submitted to us and provide all the information that you think will be required to complete the form. For example, Westfield forms require us to know which condition you are claiming for and for how long you have had it.
There may be additional charges if the GP needs to call you to request information they need to complete the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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: prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. For example medical reports for insurance companies
Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?
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, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for 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 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
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 will I be charged?
The BMA recommends that GPs tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and how much. It is up to the individual doctor to decide how much to charge, but the BMA produces lists of suggested fees which many doctors use.