Fees – Earlsfield surgery fees for Non-NHS services Explained
Why do I have to pay?
The NHS provides the majority of healthcare services to people free of charge; however, there are a few exceptions.
The NHS covers the costs associated with NHS services but not those for non-NHS services. Therefore, any fees for non-NHS work are meant to cover the GP’s costs for providing these additional services.
These charges reflect the actual cost of the treatment or service, especially if it is not covered by the NHS.
GPs are self-employed and must manage increasing costs, including staff wages, building maintenance, heating, lighting, and other operational expenses.
What Services Are Covered by the NHS and Which Are Not?
The government’s contract with GPs covers the provision of medical services to NHS patients. Recently, GPs have been increasingly involved in a variety of non-medical work requested by various organizations. GPs are often approached for these tasks because they hold a trusted position in the community, or because insurers or employers require accurate and reliable information.
Examples of Non-NHS Services for Which GPs Can Charge Their Patients:
- Medical examinations for pre-employment driving requirements (e.g., HGV, PSV)
- Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
- Private sick notes
- “To Whom It May Concern” letters
- Accident/sickness insurance certificates
- Certain travel vaccinations
Examples of Non-NHS Services for Which GPs Can Charge Other Institutions:
- Medical reports for insurance companies
- DVLA reports and medical examinations
- Health assessments for local authority employees
How Are Charges Determined?
The British Medical Association (BMA) provides guidelines on suggested fees, but each GP practice sets its own charges for the services they offer. Earlsfield Practice regularly reviews its fees and strives to implement a fair and transparent charging policy.
Why Can’t the Doctor Just Sign?
When a GP is asked to complete a certificate or report, they must ensure that the information they sign off on is accurate and truthful, based on the patient’s medical records. This is a requirement for maintaining their standing on the Medical Register.
Inaccurate reporting can lead to severe consequences for the GP, including action from the General Medical Council or even legal implications.
The GP may need to thoroughly review the patient’s medical history, which can be time-consuming given their already demanding clinical responsibilities.
Our practice aims for a 4–6-week turnaround for these types of requests. While we understand that some situations may be urgent, we may not be able to accommodate short notice requests without sufficient time.
Private Fees/Non-NHS service price list:
| Fees are charged for the following services: | Charges in 2024/2025 |
| Certificates, forms and letter: | |
| Accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes | £95.00 |
| General letter `To whom it may concern` or `fitness to` | £30.00 |
| Private sick Note (any sick note within 7 days is private) | £40.00 |
| GP certificate or letter of fact | £40.00 |
| Fit to foster medical | £150.00 |
| Holiday cancellation certificate | £50.00 |
| Reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise | £95.00 |
| Employment: | |
| Employment, Pre-Employment medical and report | £180.00 |
| Employment, Pre-Employment report (No examination) | £90.00 |
| Insurance: | |
| Medical insurance reports or extract from medical records | £100.00 |
| Medical assessment report & medical | £150.00 |
| Medical Assessment Report without Medical Examination | £100.00 |
| Validation of private medical insurance claim e.g BUPA | £90.00 |
| Driving: | |
| Medical and Report (e.g. Elderly, HGV, PSV, PCO and Taxi) | £150.00 |
| Driver Insurance Form – with Medical (e.g. taxi renewal) | £95.00 |
| Driver Insurance Form – without Medical | £50.00 |
| Travel: | |
| Private prescription (Travel) | £25.00 |
| Fit to travel | £50.00 |
| Fitness to travel statement with medical | £150.00 |
| Vaccination Charges: Vaccinations required for travel that cannot be Given as an NHS service will need a private prescription | |
| Others: | |
| Firearms license | £75.00 |
| Criminal compensation form | £50.00 |
| Other written pro-forma, no examination needed- | £75.00 |
| Other written report with detailed opinion and statement of patient’s conditions without examination | £125.00 |
| Solicitors report | £100.00 |
| Solicitors report and examination | £150.00 |