Patient Information

Non NHS Services

The NHS provides most healthcare and healthcare services free of charge to UK residents, but there are some exceptions.

GPs themselves have to cover operational and running costs - buildings, equipment, heating, lighting, maintenance, insurance, staff etc. Therefore, professional fees charged must reflect a contribution to these costs as well as professional time.

Individual practices decide how much to charge for non-NHS services. There are no standard charges and 'price fixing' between practices is not allowed.

What can be charged for?
Examples of non NHS services for which Carnoustie Medical Group can charge their patients include:

• Certain travel vaccinations
• Certification of Fitness to Travel
• Exemption certificates
• 'To Whom It May Concern' Letters

Examples of non NHS services for which the practice can charge other organisations include:

• DWP/Benefits Agency Reports
• European Working Time Directive Certification
• Medical reports for an insurance company
• Reports for Solicitors

We can usually inform you of the likely charge when you ask for the paperwork to be completed.

Carnoustie Medical Group may be willing to provide some non-NHS services for patients registered with other practices - please ask to speak to Jean King, Business Manager.

When can I collect my documents?
The doctors of Carnoustie Medical Group generally try to complete forms, documents, letters or reports for patients, within two working weeks. Reports for other organisations are usually completed within four working weeks.

Please do not expect your doctor to process forms overnight. Urgent requests may mean that a doctor has to make special arrangements to process the form quickly. This may cost more than the standard rate.

If you have several forms requiring completion, present them together and ask your doctor whether he/she is prepared to complete them all at once at a reduced price.

Please remember that time spent on this type of paperwork takes the doctors away from patient care and other demands on their time. Clinical care will always be their first priority.

Why do I pay for just a signature?
A doctor can only sign what they know to be true.

The production of an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC) or even the Police.

It often takes a considerable time to read through and check medical records, to answer all the questions raised.

Some documents do not need a doctor's signature, for example - passport applications. Another person in a position of trust might not charge to sign such documents.

Fees charged are reviewed on an annual basis and will change from time to time.

Travel Immunisations
Most travel advice and immunisation costs only the prescription charge (if applicable) for our registered patients.

There are four immunisations which are chargeable: Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tick Borne Encephalitis and Yellow Fever. Cost will vary depending on dispensing charge.

The practice will charge per course:

Yellow Fever Immunisation is only available at designated Yellow Fever Centres. A list of those in Tayside is available from reception.