Non-NHS Services (private) work

Statement on Charges for Letters and Form Completion

Statement on Charges for Letters and Form Completion
GP practices are committed to providing high-quality clinical care to all patients, including those affected by cancer. However, it is important to understand that certain administrative tasks, such as writing letters or completing forms for insurance, benefits, or housing, are not covered by the NHS and fall outside the scope of core NHS services.
These tasks often require a GP to review detailed medical records and provide accurate, legally valid information. This takes time, clinical expertise, and administrative support—all of which are resources that must be carefully managed within a busy practice.
For this reason, GPs are entitled to charge a fee for non-NHS work, including form filling and letter writing, regardless of a patient’s diagnosis. These fees help cover the additional time and costs involved, ensuring that core clinical services remain protected for all patients.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we aim to provide as much support as possible. If cost is a concern, patients are encouraged to discuss their needs with the practice team, who will try to advise or signpost to relevant services or charities that may assist with certain forms or letters.

Understand non-NHS (private) work

Some services are not covered by the NHS and our practice will therefore charge a fee for completion of this work.

As the British Medical Association suggest
“With certain exceptions written within their contract, doctors do not have to carry out non-NHS work. However, many choose to for the benefit of you and other families they treat.”
“Why does my doctor charge fees?” BMA website. Retrieved 14 February 2023.

Check list for patients when requesting private work to be undertaken by the practice

Before submitting a form or a request it is worth reading about some important considerations which act as a checklist and can save you time.

  • Always confirm the fee, timescales and that the non-NHS work will be completed before you hand any documents to the practice.
  • Don’t book an appointment with your GP to complete forms without confirming your GP will complete such a form and checking whether you actually need to book an appointment to have the form completed (as this maybe an unnecessary appointment).
  • Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight. NHS work will always take priority and so there is no guarantee non-NHS work will be completed before our set timescale guidance.
  • Not all documents need a signature by a doctor and can be done by other professionals. Please check the form and accompanying guidance as you may get a quicker and cheaper response that way.
  • Remember if you access your records online (see under Online Access To Your Records), you can print out a copy of your notes including your medication and this may suffice for a number of requests and is free.
  • If you are told you need a letter of support from your GP by another organisation always challenge the necessity and value of such a letter as in many cases it can be unnecessary bureaucracy for us (despite any fee we charge) with little value to you.

Page last reviewed: 10 July 2025
Page created: 12 March 2025