Private Work Fees
Thaxted Surgery requires patients to pay in advance for any non NHS services. This is from immediate effect 21.07.2025.
Why are fees charged?
Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. The government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. However, in recent years more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a wide range of non NHS work.
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients?
With certain limited exceptions, GPs do not have to carry our non-NHS work. Many GPs however will always attempt to assist their patients and carry out this work.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form/letter?
Time spent completing forms & preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of patients which will always have top priority. GPs have an ever increasing workload of forms which must be prioritised against offering appointments and other urgent administration. We aim to complete non-NHS work within 28 working days of receipt of payment.
I only need the GP’s signature – what’s the problem?
When a GP signs a certificate, completes a report or writes a letter it is a condition of remaining on the medical register (which allows them to practice as a doctor), that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor may have to check a patient’s entire medical record.
How should I pay the fee?
We will send an invoice to your email or for collection at reception if you prefer. Please pay the requested amount by bank transfer using the invoice number as a reference. If you don’t use online banking you can pay at reception over the counter.
Examples include the following:
- Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
- Insurance claim forms
- Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
- Private sick notes
- Vaccination certificates
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.
Click https://practice365.co.uk/uploads/sites/2167/2025/07/Fees-for-Non-NHS-work-July-2025.pdf for current rates.