Charging patients who fail to attend non-NHS medicals
GPs and practice staff often find it frustrating when a non-NHS medical (or other chargeable non-NHS work) has been booked, such as for a taxi licence, and the patient fails to attend. However, this does not mean that the practice can automatically charge the patient for non-attendance.
The arrangement for the medical is purely a private one between the patient and the doctor, so unless it has been explicitly specified at the time of booking that failure to attend will result in a charge being levied, it will be difficult to enforce a payment request. Sometimes even when patients have been advised it can be difficult obtaining the payment.
The simplest thing to do to avoid this problem is have a clear policy that all chargeable non-NHS work has to be paid for prior to it being undertaken and is non-refundable unless a minimum of 48 hours cancellation is given.
Last updated : 22 Aug 2018Visit www.GPSOE.org.uk to help you through this state of emergency (20 Apr 2016)
Visit www.GPSOE.org.uk to help you through this state of emergencySub-contracted GPs now have access to the NHS Pension Scheme (13 Apr 2016)
Following a period of consultation, the Department of Health has published regulations allowing GP practices to pension earnings from sub-contracted clinical services, where the holder of the main contract is...Changes to the pertussis vaccination for pregnant women (13 Apr 2016)
The pertussis vaccination for pregnant women has been updated in the Green Book, coming into effect from the start of April 2016. The updated Green Book says: Pregnant women should be...BMA GPC looking to identify GPs who work in prisons (12 Apr 2016)
Dr Alex Bunn is the BMA GPC representative for prison doctors and is keen to hear from any GPs who work in prisons. He says: “There are about 700 of...Speakers' Corner - Powering up London's primary care workfore (12 Apr 2016)
In exactly one week 400 of London’s GPs and practice staff will be gathering at the Emirates Stadium to work on the challenges we face and find the solutions to...Joy in general practice and supporting resources (11 Apr 2016)
On 4 April 2016 Londonwide LMCs met with Drs Thomas and Christine Sinsky, an American husband and wife team who study and report on well-being among family doctors. They believe...Stand. Vote. Engage – it’s election year at Londonwide LMCs (11 Apr 2016)
This year is election year at Londonwide LMCs and it’s never been as important to make your voice heard and stand up for general practice in London. Elections take...NHS Employers and BMA GPC updated QOF guidance (07 Apr 2016)
The 2016-17 QOF changes have now been incorporated into the guidance from NHS Employers and the BMA GPC. There were minor amendments made to QOF for 2016-17, they are: An adjustment to...London Ambulance Service Health Care Professional Admissions telephone number has changed to 020 3162 7525 (01 Apr 2016)
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) have asked us to inform our GPs and practice teams that the Health Care Professional (HCP) Admissions phone number has changed to:Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.