Non-NHS services Fees list

Detailed below is a list of our charges for services that are not provided by the NHS.  If you have any questions about these services, or the charges that we have set, please contact the Patient Services Manager who will be happy to help you. We have added some frequently asked questions to this page which you may find helpful.

Fitness to Fly	Fitness to Fly if Pregnant
Forms for TV Programmes	Camp America
Fitness to do a Job	Letters to state fit for Lighter Life or Slimming World
Fitness to undertake extreme sports	Scuba Diving, Sky Diving, Climbing Certificates, Skiing Holidays, Coasteering,
Fitness to undertake Extreme Adrenaline Adventure Holidays	Snow Boarding, Deep Sea Diving, Horse Riding holidays, Trekking across the Sahara etc
Fitness to go on a school trip	Letter to support requiring golf buggy whilst golfing
Blue badge Requests	Passports

Your Questions Answered

Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free?

The NHS provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are some exceptions for example: medicals completed by the GP, medical reports for insurance companies etc.

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, for example: employees, heat and light like any other small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but not for non-NHS work. The fee charged for non-NHS work therefore goes towards covering these costs.

What is covered by the NHS and what is not?

The Government contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years more and more organisations have been involving GPs in a wide range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked to be involved is because they are in a position of trust in the community or because an insurance company, employer or solicitor wants to be sure that information that you have provided them with is accurate and true.

So, what sort of thing will I be charged for?

As an example, there will be a charge for medical reports for insurance companies or mortgage applications.  Forms that need completing because you have had to cancel your holiday will incur a charge. Questionnaires that need completing for personal reasons will incur a charge as will a letter that may be required if you want to leave a private gym for health reasons.

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

The BMA has in the past provided guidance for GPs in setting their fees. This is less common now and GPs are able to set their own fees to ensure that their costs in delivering the services are covered. Time spent completing private reports and undertaking private medical examinations are generally done outside of normal working hours as an extra commitment to a GPs workload.

I only need a doctor’s signature – what’s the problem?

When a doctor signs a certificate or a report, they can only sign for what they know to be true and accurate. In order to complete even the simplest of forms the Doctor will need to check the patients medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the Doctor as well as the patient.

How long will I wait for a report?

A Doctors priority will always be the care provided for patients under the NHS. The work described here that is non-NHS work is often carried out outside of normal working hours and the waiting time is therefore affected. We state up to a maximum of 6 weeks for completion of any reports/certificates.

How much will I be charged?

Please see the list of charges for the most common services at the top of this page

Payment for services can be made by cash, credit / debit card or bank transfer at either of our surgeries (Danebridge Medical Centre / Kingsmead Surgery). A receipt will be provided on all occasions.

If the service, you require is not on the list please contact our Patient Services Manager to arrange a quotation.