What is non-NHS work and why is there a fee?
While most services at London Road Surgery are funded by the NHS and free for patients, there are some services that fall outside of NHS funding. This is Non-NHS Work and may include things like medical reports for insurance, letters for employers or schools, and certain medical forms. These services incur a fee.
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, they are not required to do Non-NHS work.
Requesting Non-NHS Letters or Forms – What You Need to Know
- Complete the Request Form First
You must fill in the request form with as much detail as possible. We cannot assess or begin your request without this. - Your Request Will Be Reviewed
Once submitted, we will review your request. If accepted, you will be contacted to make payment. If it is not appropriate, we will explain why it has been declined. - No Work Begins Until Payment Is Made
We do not start work until payment has been received. You will be given a quote and payment instructions when your request is accepted. - Complex Requests and Fee Ranges
If your request is particularly complex and may take longer to complete, we may quote a fee range rather than a fixed price. This is because the amount of work required is sometimes unclear until the request is underway.
In these cases, you will be asked to pay the minimum fee upfront, with any balance due on completion.
This will be explained to you clearly at the time your request is accepted. - Turnaround Times Start After Payment
Once payment is made, standard turnaround times apply (usually within 4–6 weeks). - Our NHS Work Comes First
As a GP surgery, our priority is NHS care. We’ll do our best to meet non-NHS request deadlines but cannot guarantee urgent completion.
Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?
The British Medical Association (BMA) suggest fees that GPs may charge their patients for non-NHS work (i.e. work not covered under their contract with the NHS). However, the fees suggested by them are intended for guidance only; they are not recommendations and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates they suggest.
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. Our GPs do Non-NHS work out of NHS time at evenings or weekends so that NHS patient care does not suffer.