FAQs
Why is there a charge for this letter/service?
The NHS provides certain services which GPs offer and for which they are paid by the NHS.
There are many things which patients request from GPs which are not covered by this. All of these things need to be paid for as nothing can be done for free.
How long will it take?
We aim to complete all forms within 4 weeks of payment and all letters within 2 weeks of payment.
Why do private services take longer than NHS services?
We generally prioritise NHS “jobs”. Most doctors are here for around 10+ hours a day doing their NHS work.
Private work is done on top of that. We find time for it by staying even longer to do this work.
I only need a quick letter. Why does it cost that much?
Private services are entirely optional. We do so because we know that patients sometimes find the services valuable and we know that it can be hard to find another private provider.
However we have to value our own time and that of our staff – so we set our costs accordingly.
I need a taxi/HGV medical and I don’t have any medical conditions. Why does it cost the same for me as for someone with a complex history?
We charge a standard fee for all taxi and HGV medicals.
We are filling in the same legal documents regardless of your medical condition.
Sometimes some patients do take longer than others but we take the view that this is the fairest way of doing this.
Why has my life insurance request taken so long?
Some private requests come from insurance companies. An invoice has to be paid before we will agree to complete the forms.
This can take several weeks before they agree to pay an appropriate amount. You are welcome to contact your insurance company if you are concerned about the delay.
I really need this form urgently. Please can I have it urgently?
Due to the increased demand on General Practice and the NHS we are not able to offer an urgent service which we used to charge for.
Why can’t I have this form? Or that letter? I’m prepared to pay for it.
There are certain requests that we will not agree to. We will not provide “fit to….” letters for anyone doing any activity. This is because we are not insured to do this.
- We will provide letters for airlines etc. stating patients’ medical conditions/pregnancy stage etc. but will not comment on fitness.
- We will do letters if requested for sporting events but will not comment on fitness, simply providing past medical history and current medical conditions.
- We would normally recommend – if people need more detail than this – that they contact a travel clinic or a private sports’ medicine specialist.
We will also not write letters stating that people are or are not fit to attend court or be part of jury service. The same rules as above apply.
We will decline to fill in forms for Power of Attorney or for capacity issues. These questions if declined can be addressed to a private psychiatrist or a solicitor.
We also will not fill in forms for work which would be better dealt with by occupational health.
We are unable to countersign passport forms for UK passports as doctors are no longer recognised as countersignatories.
If you have any queries about whether we will or will not fill out certain forms/write certain letters please speak to the receptionists who will pass on these queries to the doctor.
Why do I have to pay for travel vaccinations?
Some travel vaccinations are within NHS services and therefore free to you as the patient. Others are not and these will be charged for accordingly.
I cannot afford to pay what you are asking.
We are sorry but we do not offer a sliding scale of fees.
Can you just give it to me now and I will bring the money in later?
Sorry but all payment is required in advance in the form of cash or a cheque or bank debit.
If the receptionist is unclear whether the doctors can complete your request they will ask the doctors and get back to you. You will then have to come back and pay before the letter/form is completed.
My employers want me to get this blood test or this letter. Can I have it on the NHS?
Blood tests requested by employers should be offered through Occupational Health services.
Your employer should have access to an Occupational Health scheme. We will not do these blood tests on the NHS.
We may be able to give you a form to attend the local private hospitals for these. We do not charge for the forms but the hospital will charge for the blood test. Your employer should pay this charge usually.
We are sometimes asked for letters from employers about a patient’s fitness. We will do a letter stating current condition and past medical conditions but we will not comment on fitness to do a particular job. Your doctor will advise on what is possible but otherwise will be directed to Occupational Health Services.
I need copies of my notes for my solicitor.
When a solicitor asks for copies of your notes, as long as we have your consent, we will provide them. Please note: solicitors are increasingly asking for copies of your notes rather than for a report. This is because there is a fixed (smaller) charge for copies of your notes. If you are happy for the solicitor to have copies of all your notes we will provide this. However please be aware that this can mean both sides of any dispute getting access to your notes and that everything you have ever mentioned to a doctor will be included. Many patients are unaware of this and are then embarrassed or upset when seemingly irrelevant facts are used by lawyers in a dispute. We would normally recommend refusing consent for your notes to be copied and asking the lawyer to request a targeted report instead.
If the notes are requested in full, you will either need to collect these and take them to the solicitors yourself or the solicitor will need to organise a courier to collect them on your behalf. We will need to see signed consent from you and held by the courier that you have agreed for them to collect your notes.