Why do GP’s charge fees?

Your questions answered

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t 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- in the same way as any small business

The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs

For more information on what is included in NHS Services and what not – visit our website and click on the tab ‘what we do’and select ‘Private Medical Services – Fees & Charges’