Charging patients: understanding the regulations
Answering a common query: can GP practices holding a core NHS contract charge their patients?
As a general rule, GP practices holding a core NHS contract is not permitted to charge fees for services to its patients. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule.
This guidance note brings together GMS and PMS regulations to help you understand when services should be provided free of charge. It also looks at the exceptions to advise when you may apply a fee.
Note: this guidance is provided for general information only, and is not intended as formal legal advice. If you are considering an arrangements which will see your patients being charged for treatment, you should seek professional advice early.