Non-NHS Services

While the NHS provides most healthcare free of charge, there are specific services outside your GP’s standard NHS contract for which a reasonable charge applies.

Why do GPs charge for these services?

The NHS is generally free, so why the charges? The National Health Service typically provides free healthcare. However, certain services, such as medical reports for insurance companies, are exceptions.

Surely my Doctor is already paid? It’s important to understand that GPs are independent contractors, not NHS employees. They operate as self-employed small businesses and must cover their own costs, including staff, premises, heating, and lighting. While the NHS covers these costs for NHS-related work, fees for non-NHS work are necessary to cover the GP’s expenses for that specific service.

Why do GPs get involved in non-medical work? In recent years, GPs are increasingly asked by various organisations to provide non-medical services. This often stems from their trusted position in the community or because entities like insurance companies or employers require verified information.

“I only need a signature” – what’s the issue? When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, they are bound by the Medical Register to only sign what they know to be true. Even for seemingly simple forms, this often requires the GP to meticulously review your entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious professional consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.

Requesting a Letter from Your GP

Patients often request private or ‘To Whom it May Concern’ letters/reports from their GP for third parties.

Why is there a charge?

These letters and reports are not covered by the NHS and are completed by the GP in their own time. Therefore, a fee is payable. Each letter requires the doctor to review your medical records to ensure accuracy, dictate the content, and then the administrative team types and prints it.

Timescales

Why does it take a long time to complete my form? Completing forms and reports takes GPs away from their primary role of patient medical care. Given their heavy workloads and the increasing volume of paperwork, many GPs find themselves working on administrative tasks outside of normal hours. Private letters and reports are not prioritised over NHS work. This type of work can take up to 6 to 8 weeks for completion.

Content

We cannot accept requests that dictate the exact wording for the letter. The GP will write what they know to be true, supported by your medical record. Both the letter and the doctor’s professional opinion are final, and changes cannot be requested. The GP reserves the right to refuse a request or provide alternative wording if deemed necessary.

If you insist on the GP altering the letter to suit your preferred wording or attempting to dictate the contents, we will withdraw our offer to write the letter. Please remember, GPs are not obliged to write such letters as this is not an NHS requirement.

Appropriate Requests

We strive to assist where possible. Here are examples of suitable and unsuitable requests:

Examples of appropriate requests:

• Fitness to travel letters or confirmation for holiday cancellations.
• Confirmation of medical conditions and/or medication.
• Letters for mitigating circumstances (e.g., for schools, universities, employers, or courts).
• Letters regarding Council or housing requirements.

Examples of requests we cannot fulfil:

• Confirmation of address, ID, or residence (we cannot verify this information).
• Countersigning passport applications.
• Letters stating something not supported by your medical record.

Are you requesting a letter to support your benefit claim?

For benefit claims, you may have greater success following guidance from the website below rather than relying solely on a GP letter, as appeals succeed based on comprehensive evidence. If the benefits organisation requires further health information, they will contact us directly with specific questions.

You may find this website useful: https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Requesting a Letter

All letter requests must be submitted in writing, clearly stating: a) The reason for the letter. b) To whom it should be addressed.

You can send your request to highfield.enquiries@nhs.net. If emailing, please include your full name, date of birth, and address.

DVLA Medicals

Driving is an integral part of many adult lives. However, certain medical conditions can prevent or restrict driving. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) explicitly states:

‘If you have a medical condition which has become worse since your licence was issued, or you develop a new medical condition, you must write and inform the Drivers Medical Unit of the nature of your condition, as it may affect your fitness to drive. Failure to do so is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1000.’

Taxi Medicals

Highfield Surgery offers Taxi Medicals by appointment on Friday mornings for drivers in the Blackpool and Fylde area for £55. If you require a Taxi Medical within 48 hours, this can also be arranged by appointment only.

For Taxi Medicals for anywhere other than Blackpool and Fylde it is charged at £110.00.