Sorry, another NHS penalty charge thread.

bspm

I had a letter asking for payment and a fine for unknowingly signing at the dentist for free treatment.

Having always paid at the dentist I wrongly thought I was entitled to free treatment as I was in receipt of Contribution based ESA.

I sent them a letter explaining my mistake and the £100 fine was removed leaving me only the treatment cost to pay.

Londonsu

teddysmum wrote: »

If you use Google to see a copy of FP17, the form you fill in for NHS treatment, it clearly says that the client and not the dental staff are responsible for correct information being applied.

This is the one


http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/DentalServices/A4_PR_V2.pdf

Tigsteroonie

The receptionist at our dental surgery always asks us whether we are entitled to free treatment or not, and then passes over the form for signing.

However if she didn't ask, I'm not sure that I'd read the form - I hate visiting the dentist, and am therefore not in a particularly receptive mood in the minutes beforehand. I'd probably sign anything at that point if it reduces the time I have to spend there :rotfl:

clairec79

I have to say my dentist continually asks me if I'm still entitled to free dental care - last time I pointed out that my free care had been because of pregnancy/child under 1 - my son was now 5, so please stop asking (if they didn't use the word still I probably wouldn't have reacted the same)

dippy3103

Every course of treatment/new examination requires a declaration to be made as to ongoing entitlement to free treatment.

Londonsu

cannyshopper wrote: »

To change subject slightly, I notice there is a scheme for people with low incomes to get free dental treatment. Does anyone know what sort of income is classed as "low"?

You have to fill in a form detailing your income and outgoings


http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1128.aspx

seven-day-weekend

cannyshopper wrote: »

It didn't occur to him to mention his change of circumstances because they never mentioned payment.

I have asked him to go back there and ask them to show him any forms he signed.

Why do people assume
(a) he is trying to get round the system
(b) dentists' receptionists never make mistakes?

But it is not up to them to ask if his circumstances have changed, it is up to him to report it.

If he was getting free dental treatment on the grounds of receiving PC, and now he is no longer receiving PC, then he should have told them that.

pebbles88

Sorry op, I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but the responsibility for whether a person informs any nhs dept on their circumstances lies wit her the person, not the nhs service.

Saying it's not his fault as he didn't know what he was entitled to wont make a difference.