SMI council tax

dorsetd

poppy10_2 said:

sheramber said:

Murphybear said:

peteuk said:

GPS generally do charge for additional work.  It would have been easier to get copies of specialist reports (discharge letters, out patients consultations) as a copy is usually sent to the patient.   This would have shown diagnosis, treatment etc. 

Not sure you can question your Gp, I take it you’ve paid. 

I am wondering if its up to the individual GP surgery.  I needed a letter from my GP confirming I had a particular health issue and I wasn’t charged anything.  

We used a small rural surgery and my GP did not charge  us.

A GP can charge  and probably does in a large surgery where patients are more anonymous.

GPs are not allowed to charge for the SMI form. They can charge for lots of other forms but not the SMI form - it's one of several "prescribed medical certificates" that must be completed free of charge for anyone that is eligible for the discount. It is unlawful for your GP to charge for the form. Get a refund, and refer them to section 17.1 of the GMS contract (similar terms are in the other GP contracts PMS and APMS) which specified that they must provide the form and must not charge for it.

Thank you, that's very helpful. I thought I had read this somewhere but couldn't find where. I will contact them for a refund. Thank you for taking the time to reply.