Crocus Medical Practice provides a range of services that are not covered under the NHS General Medical Services contract. These services are classed as private (non-NHS) work and are therefore subject to a fee.

Payment for all non-NHS work is required in advance before work can commence.

Why Are Fees Charged?

GP practices are contracted by the NHS to provide medical services for NHS patients. However, patients, employers, insurance companies, solicitors, and other organisations may request additional reports, letters, forms, certificates, or medical examinations that fall outside NHS-funded services.

As these services are not funded by the NHS, the Practice is entitled to charge a fee for the time and expertise involved in completing them.

Do GPs Have to Undertake Private Work?

In most cases, GPs are not obliged to provide non-NHS services.

However, whenever possible, our clinicians aim to assist patients with reasonable requests for private medical reports, forms, and letters.

The Practice reserves the right to decline requests that fall outside the scope of general practice services or where sufficient information is not available to complete the request safely and accurately.

Why Can Private Work Take Time?

Patient care and NHS clinical work will always remain our highest priority.

Completing private reports, certificates, and forms requires clinicians to review medical records carefully and ensure that any information provided is accurate and supported by the patient's medical history.

As a result, private work is undertaken alongside routine clinical duties and may take time to complete.

We aim to complete private work within 28 working days of receiving payment, although this may vary depending on the complexity of the request and Practice workload.

Why Is a GP Signature Not Just a Simple Signature?

When a GP signs a form, certificate, or medical report, they are professionally and legally responsible for the information provided.

Before signing any document, the GP may need to:

• Review your medical records.
• Verify clinical information.
• Ensure that statements are factually accurate.
• Confirm that they have sufficient evidence to support the information being provided.

For this reason, even apparently simple requests may require significant clinical and administrative time.

How Do I Pay?

Once your request has been assessed, an invoice will be issued.

Payment can be made at our dispensaries

Work will normally commence once payment has been received.

Examples of Private Services

Examples of services that may attract a fee include:

• Employment and occupational health medicals.
• HGV, PSV, taxi, and other driving medicals.
• Sports and fitness medical examinations.
• Insurance claim forms and reports.
• Private medical letters and certificates.
• Private sick notes.
• Letters relating to travel and medication.
• Vaccination and immunisation certificates.
• Fitness-to-travel or fitness-to-participate reports.

This list is not exhaustive, and charges may apply to other non-NHS requests.

Fees

Our fees are based on the complexity of the work involved and take into account guidance issued by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Reception staff will be happy to advise you of the current charges and expected timescales before any work is undertaken.

Further Information

If you would like to request a private service or would like information about current fees, please contact the Practice and a member of our team will be happy to help.