Non NHS Private Fees

Private Referrals, Shared Care and Non-NHS Services (including Fees) 

At Frome Medical Practice, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all patients under the NHS. We recognise that some individuals may choose to access private healthcare.

This policy outlines how we manage private referrals, requests from private providers, and associated responsibilities, as well as the scope of GP-provided non-NHS services. 

1. Private Referrals

We are happy to refer patients to private healthcare providers where clinically appropriate. Our approach is as follows:

• A referral letter will be issued following a clinical consultation with an NHS GP.
• Referral letters issued as part of an NHS appointment are free of charge. If requested outside a consultation (e.g. admin-only), a fee may apply (see below).
• We do not coordinate, chase, or manage private appointments or investigations.

2. Responsibility for Private Treatment

• The private provider remains responsible for all aspects of care during a private treatment episode.
• Our GPs are not obliged to interpret private test results, arrange NHS follow-up, or issue prescriptions based on private advice without clinical review and agreement.
• We will support a safe transition back to NHS care when clinically appropriate.

3. Investigations and Tests Following Private Consultations

• Patients may return from private appointments with requests for tests or prescriptions.
• We do not guarantee any private provider’s request will be followed in the NHS.
• All such requests are reviewed by a GP and only actioned if clinically appropriate, in line with NHS care pathways, and feasible within NHS general practice capacity.
• Patients may be advised to return to the private provider to complete investigations or treatment.

4. Shared Care with Private Providers (including Right To Choose)

• Requests for shared care (e.g. repeat prescribing or monitoring initiated by private or remote providers) are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Shared care is not guaranteed and may be declined if:

The medication is specialist, unlicensed, or not routinely prescribed in primary care;

Required monitoring is not safely deliverable in general practice;

There is insufficient communication or clinical responsibility from the initiating provider.

• We prioritise patient safety and compliance with local prescribing guidance. If you do not engage with monitoring of medications when asked, we may withhold further prescriptions until such safety checks are completed.

5. Private Prescriptions

• Private prescriptions from private providers are not automatically converted into NHS prescriptions.
• NHS prescriptions may be issued only if:

The medicine is available on the NHS;

The GP agrees it is appropriate and safe;

It is in line with national and local prescribing guidance.

• Otherwise,  you will need to continue obtaining medication privately.

6. “Fit to Participate” Medicals

• We only provide “fit to participate” or “fitness for activity” medicals (e.g. for sports, adventure holidays, charity events) on a case by case basis.
• These certificates may carry significant liability and require specialist assessment, sometimes beyond what a GP is qualified or indemnified to offer.
• If such a request is made:

It will be reviewed by a GP partner, who will deem whether it is appropriate for us to complete. You will be informed of their decision before a form is processed.

It must be submitted before booking or committing to the activity. We cannot meet short-notice deadlines. Please allow at least 6 to 8 weeks.

• If we are unable to complete a request, we advise patients to seek such assessments via a private sports or occupational health service.

7. Housing or Council Medical Letter Requests

We regularly receive requests to support housing applications (e.g. Homefinder Somerset).

In line with council guidance:

• We do not provide housing support letters unless formally requested by the housing authority with appropriate consent.
• The council has confirmed the band applications based on the applicant’s self-reported health and will contact us directly if further detail is required.
• In homelessness cases, the local authority will use existing documentation.
• Patients are advised not to request GP letters to speed up housing applications, as these are not necessary.