Some services available are not covered under our contract with the NHS. This means that these services need to be paid for. Please see here for examples of administrative work we can and can't provide: Administrative Work Letters Forms GP Written Statements
The full list of our fees can be found here: Fees for Non NHS Services
The practice aims to complete all requests within 30 days of receipt. You will be kept informed of any delays.
For some services we may require payment in advance. We will however make you aware of this before any work is undertaken.
Isn't the NHS supposed to be free?
The National Health Service delivers the majority of healthcare services to most people at no cost. However, there are some exceptions. Prescription charges have been in place since 1951, and certain other services also require payment. In some instances, the fee helps offset part of the treatment cost, such as with dental services. In others, charges apply because the service falls outside NHS coverage, such as medical reports prepared for insurance purposes.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Completing forms and writing reports reduces the time GPs can devote to treating their patients. Most GPs already carry a substantial workload—many work up to 70 hours per week—and administrative tasks are taking up an ever-growing share of their time. As a result, many GPs end up taking paperwork home to finish during evenings and weekends.
I only need a doctor's signature!
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they attest only to information they know to be accurate. Even for relatively simple forms, this may mean reviewing the patient’s full medical record. Any carelessness or inaccuracy can have serious repercussions, potentially involving the General Medical Council or even the police.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, 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 be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
Medical Report Processing
Please note that Bedminster Family Practice uses a trusted third-party provider, Lalu, an NHS Digital-accredited company, to securely process medical report requests on our behalf.
Once your request has been received, it will be securely transferred to Lalu for processing through the Lalu Care patient portal. You may be contacted by Lalu during the process and will be able to securely access your completed report online where appropriate.
Please allow up to one calendar month for your request to be processed. Please note that many medical reports are private (non-NHS) services and charges may apply. You will be advised of any applicable fee before work begins.
If you have any questions about your request or wish to contact Lalu directly, please email customerservice@lalu.co.uk or call 03333 055774.
Examples of non NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients:
- accident/sickness insurance certificates
- certain travel vaccinations
- private medical insurance reports
We do not provide the signing of:
- Passport applications / Photo card applications
- Fitness to Travel / Fly letters
- Proof of indentity or address
- Fitness to exercise, attend gym or health club and extreme sports certificates