Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for driving requirements (DVLA)
• Insurance claim forms
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates 
• ESA/DLA/PIP forms 

Please email the practice where an administrator will advise you if your documents are feasible.

The administration team will advise you if your private request is chargeable.

 Please note: This can take up to 30 days to complete and these services are chargeable. 

Theneamanpractice@nhs.net

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: prescription charges for some people, 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 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 Governments 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 Taxi medical. Some travel vaccinations can only be provided privately as they are not available on the NHS. Forms that need completing because you have had to cancel your holiday will incur a charge. Questionnaires that need completing for private gyms and for life insurance will incur a charge as will a letter that may be required if you want to confirm you are fit to run a marathon.

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 Doctors 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 currently say up to 21 days for all non NHS work to be actioned unless told otherwise.

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 at reception or cheque PAYABLE to: The Neaman Practice. A receipt will be provided on all occasions by our Reception Team.

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