Patient request which are outside of the NHS Contract
Non-NHS Services, are patient request which are outside of the NHS Contract
The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority of people free of charge, but there are exceptions. GPs practices are contracted to provide NHS general medical services for their patients. Sometimes, GPs are asked to provide additional services which fall outside their contract and in these circumstances, they are entitled to make a reasonable charge for providing them.
Your questions answered
Question: Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?
“The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majority people free of charge, but there are exceptions: for example, medical reports for insurance companies.”
Question: Surely the Doctor is being paid anyway?
“It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are contracted to provide specific services. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for Non-NHS work the fee has to cover the Doctor’s costs.”
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 to do non-medical work 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
- Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:
- medical reports for an insurance company
- some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
- examinations of occupational health
Question: 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, with the majority work up to 70 hours a week. Paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time and therefore so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.”
Question: 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, 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.”
Question: What can I do to help?
“If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once. Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight. Also, please be aware that GP’s are no longer able to sign for passport applications”.
Further examples of Non-NHS Services include the following:
- Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
- Insurance Claim Forms
- Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
- Private Sick Notes
- Vaccination Certificates
The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association’s (BMA) suggested scales and Practice Reception Staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.
Payments:
- From July 2022, patients will have the ability to pay for their Non-NHS services using their credit or debit card, as well as by cash.
- If you require a member of our team to carry out any Non-NHS service, the process will begin once payment has been received at St Peter’s Medical Centre.
- We will endeavor to complete you Non-NHS Service request within 15 working days. However, this time may be extended due to:
- The Non-NHS services request being lengthy or complex
- Due to staff annual leave and the requirement to prioritise our NHS contractual services
Please find below our current fee’s for Non-NHS Services effective July 2022
St Peter’s Non NHS Services July 2022 (PDF)
You may download the Non-NHS Service request form for completion. However you are required to bring the form into the practice in order to make payment and for this service to begin.
Thank you