Non-NHS Services and SARs

Why are fees charged?

The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. However, in recent years more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a wide range of non NHS work. This work is not funded by the government, so GPs have to charge a fee to cover their time and other expenses.

Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?

It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and they have to cover the costs of everything from the limited NHS funds provided – staff wages, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers costs for NHS work, but not for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards keeping the surgery running.

Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?

With certain limited exceptions, GPs do not have to carry out any non-NHS work. Many GPs, however, will always attempt to assist their patients and carry out this work where possible and time allows.

Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form/letter?

Time spent completing forms & preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of patients which will always have top priority. GPs have an ever increasing workload of forms which must be prioritised against offering appointments and other urgent administration. We aim to complete non-NHS work within two weeks of receipt but on occasion this can take longer.

I only need the GP’s signature – what’s the problem?

When a GP signs a certificate, completes a report or writes a letter it is a condition of remaining on the medical register (which allows them to practice as a doctor), that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor may have to check a patient’s entire medical record.

Fees for Non NHS services

Please note all private work must be paid in full in advance of any work being carried out.

*While the above is a guide pricing, if the time taken exceeds that predicted for the service there may be an increase in charge, this will be communicated before work carried out.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTS

OTHER REQUESTS 

The cost of other requests not listed will be based on time:

OTHER CHARGES

Patient access to their medical records 
(SAR - Subject Access Request)

**Free (online access)

Lasting Power Of Attorney – This is NOT something GP’s are happy to complete, but on occasions can be done with prior agreement of £125.00

Hep B for Occupational Health Purposes – £120 for the initial course of 3 vaccines and then £40 for the booster

Privacy Notice – iGPR

Our practice has decided to outsource our medical reporting work to an NHS Digital accredited company called iGPR.

iGPR will be processing your medical reports and Subject Access Requests (SAR) and provide online access via their secure encrypted portal.

You can find more information on iGPR governance by clicking on this link: https://www.igpr.co.uk/information-governance/

Please send your request for medical records / insurance reports to the practice with your consent.

FORMS

APPLICATION FORM FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH RECORDS