Certain types of services for patients are not covered by the NHS. Where these services can only be provided by the patient’s own GP or other attending doctor, patients are expected to pay for them. The British Medical Association (BMA) suggests appropriate fees for general practitioners to charge.
Why do GP’s charge fees?
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge. However there are exceptions because not all services are covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claims on private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.
It is important to understand that GP’s are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs -staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc.
The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs.