Non-NHS Services

 

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Guidance notes on how we can help you

Our doctors are frequently asked to provide private or ‘To Whom it May Concern’ letters or reports for third parties. The fee for doing this is based on how long it is likely to take the GP to complete the work.  If the GP agrees to provide a letter/report, an invoice will be issued to you for pre-payment.

View our non-NHS Service fees

 

Why do I have to pay?

The preparation of these letters or reports is not covered by the NHS. The doctor must complete them during their own administration time and as such there is a fee payable. All letters require the doctor to take time to review a patient’s medical record to ensure that the information provided is correct, then the doctor will dictate the letter, a medical secretary will type and print it and then it is finalised for signature/release.

 

How long will it take?

Private letters do not take priority over NHS work and hence may take some time to prepare.

Please allow at least two weeks.

 

But I need it today/tomorrow/next week/sooner than that!

In genuinely urgent cases, we will do our best to meet your deadline; however, we cannot promise this.

 

The doctor has to write these exact words…

We are very sorry, but we usually cannot accept requests for the doctor to write the letter in a specific way. The doctor will write what he or she knows is supported by your medical record, and his or her opinion on what that should be is final. Please note that our doctors reserve the right to refuse your request or provide alternative wording.

Please remember that the doctor is not obliged to write a letter for you at all, as this is not an NHS requirement.

 

Examples of appropriate requests:

  • Claim forms i.e. cancellation of holidays due to medical reason
  • Confirmation of medication or a medical condition
  • Letters for school, universities, employers or courts, etc.
  • Letters to the Council regarding housing requirements – please note these are only processed if a housing authority request the information
  • Insurance reports

Example of requests we cannot fulfil:

  • Confirmation of address or other proof of residence or ID (We have no means of verifying this)
  • Countersigning passport applications (A GP is no longer required on the form)
  • Letters stating you are “Fit To”; ie fit to run a marathon, fit to fly etc
  • The GP will not support any job application references.
  • Capacity Assessments (power of attorney)
  • HGV medicals/ private medicals
 

Finally – please check – will a Patient Summary suffice?

These are free of charge and can be quickly and easily provided to you by our Admin/Secretarial Team. A Patient Summary gives your address, medical conditions/diagnoses/ repeat and current medications and the last three attendances at surgery.

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

If you wish to request a medical report, please complete our online Medical Report Request form.

 

Non-NHS Fees

  • Private Referral Letter
    • If NHS referral has already been done, we can generate private referral letter. You must supply the name of the consultant/hospital/appt date etc. and an email address we can send the referral letter to.
    • Fee: Free
  • Medical Records (SAR Requests)
    • Request must be submitted in writing (email is fine), detailing how far back you need the records to go and whether you would like records emailing or to collect print outs from the surgery (email preferred).
    • Fee: Free
    • Approximate Turnaround Time: 1 Month
  • GP Supporting Letters And Reports (This Could Be To Support PIP/UC Application/Housing Etc)
    • Request must be submitted in writing (email is fine), please confirm dates required. Records will be e-mailed to you. Please note: the GP’s are unable to assess your functional capability (with regards PIP), you would need an Occupational Health Advisor Assessment.
    • Fee: £200p/h (Minimum £25)
    • 2-3 Weeks After Prepayment
  • Firearms License
    • Please complete all your parts then hand in paperwork to reception. We will send you an invoice. Once payment received, we will complete and return to you..
    • Fee: £50
    • 2-3 Weeks After Prepayment
  • Bus Pass Form
    • Please complete all your parts then hand in paperwork to reception. We will then complete and return to you.
    • Fee: Free
    • 2-3 Weeks
  • Council Tax Exemption Form
    • Please complete all your parts then hand in paperwork to reception. We will then complete and forward as appropriate.
    • Fee: Free
    • 2-3 Weeks
  • Mary Siebel Forms
    • Please complete all your parts then hand in paperwork to reception. We will then complete and forward as appropriate.
    • Fee: Free
    • 2-3 Weeks
  • HGV Medicals
    • Please complete all your parts and complete any vison test requirements then hand in paperwork to reception. We will send you an invoice. Once payment received, we will book appropriate appointment with a GP.
    • Fee: £120
    • 2-3 Weeks
  • Travel Insurance Form (Holiday Cancellation Etc)
    • Please complete all your parts then hand in paperwork to reception. We will send you an invoice. Once payment received, we will complete and forward as appropriate.
    • Fee: Minimum Fee £25
    • 2-3 Weeks After Prepayment
  • Insurance Reports (Life Insurance/Accident & Injury Claims)
    • Requests should come direct from insurance company. Once payment received, we will complete and forward as appropriate.
    • Fee: Usually £100 Per Report (Dependant On Size/Admin Time)
    • 2-3 Weeks After Prepayment
  • DVLA
    • Requests should come direct from DVLA. We will contact you if an appointment is needed.
    • Fee: DVLA Advise
    • 2-3 Weeks
  • CAPITA/PIP Reports
    • Paperwork will be sent to us direct from DWP. We will then complete and forward as appropriate.
    • Fee: CAPITA Advise
    • 2-3 Weeks