Medical reports, Letters, forms etc.
We have been getting a great many requests for doctors to supply medical reports, letters, forms etc.
Much of this type of work is not covered by the NHS contract and has to be classified as private work and a fee charged. In the past the doctors have tried to complete these requests alongside their NHS work, however as you will be aware the NHS is under greater pressure than ever before and this means that doctors have less time to spare on requests for private work.
In the future the GPs will only be accepting requests for reports, letters and forms that they are obliged to complete as part of the NHS contract, or are directly concerned with a patient's health.
The GPs are not qualified to undertake work or occupational assessments which require a knowledge of a person's workplace. These remain the employer's responsibility.
Charges
The partners have decided to base their fees for private work on a comparable basis to other professions such as law and accountancy. The agreed hourly rate for 2017/18 will be £300 per hour. A list of charges for common requests is displayed in the waiting room and available from reception.
Some work that GPs are required to undertake has set fees that do not reflect this charging basis. In future the doctors will restrict the content of theses reports and include copies of relevant notes for the requesting party. You will be asked for your permission to release these notes prior to them being sent.
There will be a minimum fee of £25 for any private work undertaken. This reflects the costs incurred by all staff involved in processing the simplest requests that we currently receive.