Can doctors charge for sick notes??

wowzetov

I visited my local NHS surgery to see the doctor. My visit was genuine, as I received a prescription and was assigned a routine test. I requested a sick note and the doctor said it will cost me 10 pounds. At first I thought she was joking. Then she confirmed she was serious and said "Why would we do it otherwise?" She wrote out a note merely stating that I saw her on the day, and rang up the reception and told them to collect 10 pounds from me on the way out. I was given a "receipt" which was comprised of the surgery's stamp on a piece of lined paper, stating the amount of 10pounds and "sick note".
Is this legitimate??

dmg24

Sick notes are usually charged for if the period is normally covered by self certification (i.e. the first seven days). Would this apply to your situation?

If not, I'm not sure. I have never had to pay for one after the first seven days.

ShockingPink

Just found this; it does look as if you were charged because you asked for the note before the self-cert time was up.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=1062

http://test.boahc.co.uk/medical/howdoi/sicknotes