Why do GPs charge fees? 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, claim forms for referral for private care and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.

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 pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non-NHS work, they will charge a private fee.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients are:

• Certain travel vaccinations
• Private medical insurance reports
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Referral for private care forms
• Letters requested by, or on behalf of, the patient

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 local authority employees

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/her patients. GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.

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 practice to decide how much to charge, but the BMA produces lists of suggested fees for the Doctors to use as a guideline.

NB: All medicals must be paid for upon booking of the appointment. As we need to allocate half an hour of GP time to each medical examination this fee is non-refundable if the patient fails to attend the appointment or cancels at less than 2 hours notice.