Non-NHS Work
Requests for Non-NHS Work
Non-NHS work is effectively private work which falls outside recognised NHS work and is completed by clinicians (GPs) in their own time and after all NHS work is completed. For this reason, 8 weeks for completion should be allowed. However, if NHS pressures increase there is the possibility of further delays or the temporary cessation of private work.
If a patient calls or attends any of the Lister sites asking for a letter from the GP, insurance forms etc. then the patient should complete the requirement in writing or submit any relevant paperwork for completion.
The patient should be informed that this will be passed to the Secretarial team.
The Secretaries will notify the patient of the fee and if they agree, the work will then be passed to the GP and/or an appointment will be booked with the GP.
Why am I being charged for this? The NHS is supposed to be free?
The NHS does provide most medical services free of charge, but does charge patients for certain things. For example, although many patients are eligible for free prescriptions, prescriptions under the NHS are usually chargable, as is dental treatment. Usually, these fees are there to help the NHS cover some of the cost of treatment.
In this instance, providing medical reports, private prescriptions, medical records etc. is not work that is covered by the NHS.
Although some non-NHS work can be completed fairly quickly, please expect to wait up to 6 or 8 weeks for more complex requests.
What is and isn't covered by the NHS?
The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical 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 be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
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
- Reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
- 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
I just need the doctor to sign, it's not difficult?
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. Therefore, in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor.
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time.
What can I do to help the process?
Not all documents need a signature from a GP. For example, you could ask another person in a position of trust, who may be willing to sign a passport application free of charge. (Teacher, Accountant, etc)
Please temper your expectations of the timeframe with which such requests will be dealt with. Please give as much notice as possible for anything important and don't expect things to be processed overnight.