What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment.
GP practices are businesses that have to cover their costs for staff, buildings etc, in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but not for non-NHS work. The fees charged by GPs contribute towards these costs.
In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical, non-NHS 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 ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.
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 we will endeavour to assist our patients as much as possible, the request may be declined in some circumstances. For instance, we may decline to sign fitness to perform activities forms such as parachute jumping or marathon as they may need to be done doctors who have specialist training in these areas.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients:
- Accident or sickness certificates for insurance purposes
- Holiday insurance certificates
- Medical reports
- Travel cancellation forms
- GP supporting letters
- Private medical appointments – if you require a medical appointment please call and notify reception, the private medical work administrator will then liaise with the GP to schedule you an appointment.
- Road traffic accident assessments
Non-NHS services for which GPs are unable to complete:
- Confirming proof of identity (e.g., signing ID photographs)
- COP3
- Capacity assessments
- DNA testing
- Witnessing, signing, and completion of Lasting Power of Attorney paperwork (NB: we only scan copies of completed documents in FULL to correctly upload onto your medical record)
- “Fit to compete in sports/events” forms and letters (including but not limited to: diving, skydiving, running and cycling events)
- “Fit to fly” forms and letters
- Blue Badge application forms, including Expert Assessor forms (NB: we can provide a brief summary and several recent letters which may aid you)
- Bus Pass application forms, including Expert Assessor forms (NB: we can provide a brief summary and several recent letters which may aid you)
Frequently asked questions
Why can it 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, so many GPs find they have to complete work out of working hours and weekends.
NHS medical care of our patients always takes priority during our working day so any private letters or forms can take up to 6-8 weeks to complete and return to you. We cannot guarantee they will be completed earlier.
I only need the doctor’s signature can this be done on the day I bring my form in?
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 from birth. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the general medical council (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the police. Inaccurate information also affect the patients.
What will I be charged?
Once you paperwork has been received and reviewed you will receive a SMS text message confirming the charge, pre payment will be required before any work can be carried out. All information will be sent via SMS on how to pre pay.
See below for a private work list:
Private Medical Work Fees April 2025
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If items are not listed, GP’s have the discretion to charge the appropriate fee. We strive to reflect the charges in accordance with the British Medical Association’s suggested fees.
What can I do to help?
- Not all documents need a signature by a doctor. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
- Please do not expect your GP to process forms urgently as NHS work will always take priority.
- When requesting copies of your medical records, before we complete this work we would like to ask you to consider the following:
Do you need all of your record?
Are you able to access your information online?
You can register for online access to view your medical record electronically by clicking the following link: Register for Patient Access Online Services
You may also be able to obtain the information you are seeking from another source. i.e hospital consultants.
How do I request for private medical work to be completed by my GP?
Please complete the medical report request form, any forms that need completing, please present these to the practice front reception.