GP charging for letter

I am reapplying for the DLA and realised some of health conditions have worsened. I asked him to write a letter confirming these conditions etc (mindful that as much evidence as possible is vital) and now I hear I am being charged 12 pounds for this!

Is this ethical, acceptable, etc? I didn't mind paying 25 for him filling in an insurance form after I had a travel accident, but this seems a bit much. Has anyone else had this experience?

worldgirl wrote:

I am reapplying for the DLA and realised some of health conditions have worsened. I asked him to write a letter confirming these conditions etc (mindful that as much evidence as possible is vital) and now I hear I am being charged 12 pounds for this!

Is this ethical, acceptable, etc? I didn't mind paying 25 for him filling in an insurance form after I had a travel accident, but this seems a bit much. Has anyone else had this experience?

In certain situations a GP has a contractual obligation not to charge a patient for filling in forms. This is usually limited to the completion of medical certificates, and information required by the DWP in order to decide claims to sickness/disability benefits.

Other than these exceptions, a GP is free to charge whatever they like, even for something as simple as a signature on a form. On the positive side, hopefully it will be twelve pounds well spent if your DLA claim is successful?

There is a prominently displayed notice in my GP surgery listing the charges for form filling/letter writing. I cannot quite remember the details but I was prepared for a £30 charge for a letter re my deteriorating condition. My GP was good enough to give me a photocopy of the Consultant letter at no cost. Just as well since it stayed in my bag throughout the Atos assessment

Hi
My GP surgery also charges for supporting letters for DLA - though the doctor warned me of this when i asked for one - seems it is standard practice and when one thinks of how busy the Gp's are they usually have to write these letters in their own time which is very good of them to help us get what we are entitled too.

I think you're right on the last point, Crazy Diamond. Really, I just wondered about this - I don't think the surgery used to do it.

yes, this happened to me, I asked my doctor for evidence in a letter for an esa appeal, he charged me £30, for two paragraphs, my esa appeal was refused, waste of money, getting the evidence, getting proof of your med. condition should be free, the money goes direct to the GP not the NHS, rip off, preying on the sick and disabled.