The practice can complete some types of reports, forms and letters privately for a fee. Please see the information below for further details on this and for our price list.
Note that we are currently experiencing incredibly high demand for these requests and also have to prioritise NHS work and patient care. Our current wait time for standard requests is approximately six weeks.
To make a request please complete a medical report request providing clear details around what you require. The team will then contact you directly to discuss your request in due course.
If your request is regarding copies of medical records or a subject access request please see this information and application form.
Why GPs charge fees
It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc. – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work but, for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment. In recent years, however, 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 ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients:
- Accident or sickness certificates for insurance purposes
- School fee and holiday insurance certificates
- Reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
- Private prescriptions for travel purposes
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions:
- Life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies
- Reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with disability living allowance and attendance allowance
- Medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients. Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to stay at work late at night and weekends to complete this work.
I only need the doctor’s signature?
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. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the Police.
What will I be charged?
Please see the price list for Aspen Medical Centre (PDF)– it is important that patients know in advance if they will be charged, and what the guidance fee will be.
What can I do to help?
- Not all documents need a signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
- Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight. Urgent requests may mean that a doctor has to make special arrangements to process the form quickly, and this will cost more.
What type of report work doesn’t have to be done by my GP?
There is some medical examination and report work that can be done by any doctor, not only a patient’s GP. For this work there are no set or recommended fees.
