The National Health Service provides most healthcare to the majprity of people free of charge, but there are exceptions. GPS are self-employes and are contracted to provide NHS general medical services for their patients.

SOmetimes, GPs are tasked to provide additioanl services which fall outside their contract and in these circumstances, they are entitled to make reasonable charge for providing them in line with the cost of their time to complete the work.

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.

Example of Non-NHS services for which GPS can charge their NHS patients are:

• Accident / sickness insurance certificates
• Taxi / HGV DVLA medical assessments
• Private medical insurance reports
• Statements of fact relating to genera health
• Holiday cancellation claim forms
• Referral to private care forms
• Private sick notes

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions are:

• Medical reports for an insurance company
• Some reports for the Department of Work and Pensions

Most of the service offered by the surgery are free under the NHS. Some services are not covered under the NHS and for these Radyr Medical Centre can charge a fee. The fee will reflect both the Doctor's time to carry out the service and Doctor's professional opinion. It may include the cost of nursing adminstrative support and stationary. If you have any concerns abouth the fee involved please discuss with us before requesting any service.

PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF REQUEST

Patients can pay by credit / debit card at the surgery reception (receipt provided) or via BACs

Radyr Medical Centre

Sort Code: 20 18 27

Account No.: 00694967

Please note practice no longer accepts Cash payments

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 28 DAYS FOR YOUR REQUEST TO BE PROCESSED

This list is not exhaustive. Any non-NHS work requested will be discussed with the patient and the fees advised in advance of the commencement of work.

Prices may be subject to change based on time taken to complete, length of reports / letters. This will be communicated to you when yu make the request.

Why are fees charged?

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.  This work is not funded by the Government, and so GPs have to charge a fee to cover their time and expenses.

Surely the Doctor is being paid anyway?

It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS.  They are self employed and they have to cover the costs of everything from the limited NHS funds provided – staff wages, buildings, heating and lighting, in the same way as any small business.   The NHS covers costs for NHS work, but not for non NHS work.  The fees charged by GPs contribute to towards keeping the surgery running.

Do GPs have to do non NHS work for their patients?

With certain limited exceptions, GPs do not have to carryout 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 and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of patients which will always take top priority.  GPs have an ever increasing workload of forms which must be prioritised against offering appointments and other urgent administration.

I only need the GPs 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 need to check a patient’s entire medical record.