Why do GP’s charge fees? Your questions answered
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claimson private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.
It is important to understand that GP’s are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs- staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc.- in the same wayas any small business
The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs