Non-NHS Private Fees

 

Private Fee Work

In addition to our free NHS services, we also offer a range of fee-based non-NHS services, including:

  • Private sick notes
  • Medical examinations for special purposes, eg elderly drivers, new jobs, fitness for sport, immediate treatment after a road traffic accident and fitness to travel
  • Completing medical questionnaires for insurance policy claims.

  Find out more or make a private appointment please contact our reception

 

Private Services & Fees

As of September 2022

The private, non-NHS fees are subject to change at the discretion of Wye Surgery.
All private work must be paid for in advance. As soon as you have paid your request will be actioned.
(Unfortunately, advance payment is required because of an increase in the number of patients asking for private work then either missing their appointment or failing to pay afterwards.)

Please also note that if any additional work is needed to complete your original request, a small additional charge may be made. However, where possible we will ensure that the initial charge is accurate.

VAT Disclaimer – VAT is an inherently complicated area and whilst the above reflects the general VAT position, the specific purpose of the service provided may affect the VAT status of the fee charged.

Firearms Certificates are no longer completed as part of private Non-NHS work.

Insurance Reports

  • Life Assurance Form - PMA/GPR/iGPR - £110.00
  • Insurance Supplementary Report (Only with above) - £50.00

Medical Reports

  • ECG and Report (Nurse appointment short report) - £70.00
  • Fitness to Attend Sports, School, University (Report only) - £36.00
  • Power of Attorney/Court of Protection - £276.00
  • Occupational Health (Short Report for Employer) - £120.00

Certificates, Forms and Letters

  • PPP, BUPA or Equivalent Insurance Claim Forms - £40.80
  • Private Sickness Certificate (Requested & Paid by Employer) - £40.80
  • To Whom it May Concern Letter - £40.80
  • Signature Only - £40.80
  • Seat Belt Exemption (Report Only) - £90.00
  • School Fees Insurance Claim Report - £50.40
  • Freedom from Infection Certificate - £50.40
  • Driving Licence Signature - £50.40

Travel Abroad

  • Standard Travel Letter (e.g. Needles / Diabetes / Medication) - £40.80
  • Holiday Cancellation Form (Without Examination or Report) - £40.80
  • Certificate of Vaccination - £40.80
  • Fitness to Travel Certificate / Report - £60.00
  • Short Factual Letter (re: Complex medical Condition) - £50.00

Other Private Work

If any other services are required prices will be discussed and agreed with patients at the start.

Why do GPs sometimes charge fees? Yours questions answered in our FAQ.

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. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example, dental fees; in other cases, it is because the service is not covered by the NHS, 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.

Can you give examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients:

  • accident/sickness insurance certificates
  • certain travel vaccinations
  • private medical insurance reports

Can you give examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions:

  • medical reports for an insurance company
  • some reports for the DSS/Benefits Agency
  • examinations of local authority employees
  • DS 1500 Form (Disability Living/Attendance Allowance)

Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?

The BMA suggests fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under a GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, these fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested.

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 – the majority work up to 70 hours a week – and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.

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. Surgeries often have lists of fees on the waiting room wall based on these suggested fees.

What can I do to help?

  • Not all documents need signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
  • If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once and ask your GP if he or she is prepared to complete them all at once as a (job lot) at a reduced price.
  • Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight. You should expect the form(s) to take up to 4 weeks for the GP to complete and return