The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment. In recent years however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work.

Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.

Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients are:

• • accident/sickness certificates for insurance purposes.
  • reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise.
  • pre-employment medicals, as requested by employers.

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

• • life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies.
  • reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with disability living allowance and attendance allowance.
  • medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering.

With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients.

Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.

There is a charge for these. Please provide the receptionist with the paperwork and you will be called for a special appointment to be arranged for you. This is not done in the middle of a normal surgery and please DO NOT book a routine appointment yourself as this will only cause embarrassment if the doctor turns you away.