Sorry if this has been asked before but can a GP still charge for filling in the section on the DLA form about someone who knows you. I thought I had seen somewhere where they couldn't.

Our understanding is that GP's are under no contractual obligation to complete that section of claim form for free. They are contracted with NHS to complete requests for evidence from DWP (or is this an agreement negotiated between BMA & DWP?) and for which they are paid.

Any request by client (or advice agency) to complete forms or supply medical evidence etc is a private arrangement for which GP is entitled to charge. The BMA set out a suggested list of charges for different types of information.

Patients or advice centre's are therefore dependent on good will of GP's not to make a charge. We have a couple of GP practices which will not provide evidence for DLA appeals etc unless client is willing to pay (or cost can be covered as a CLS disbersement).

GP's should not be charging for completing the claim form.

as you can see, there is a lot of confusion and disagreement about this - i've attached a link to the earlier thread.



http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=100&topic_id=405&mesg_id=405&page=2

The guidance I referred to in the thread at jj's link above was updated in June (so the link in the old thread doesn't work) it is now found at

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/medical/medicalib204/ib204-june04/appendix-e.pdf

This says:

"Claim Pack

Your patient (or representative) may ask you to complete the statement on the claim pack. This should contain:
• The diagnosis(es) of the disabling condition(s)
• Brief clinical findings NHS

GPs are required to complete this when requested as part of their terms of service. No fee is payable by the patient or the Department."

I feel that this is unequivocal confirmation that it remains government policy that NHS GPs should provide this evidence without making any charge.

Thanks for the info I have passed it on to my client.

My brother is a G.P. and says it's definitly against their rules to charge for providing medical information on the claim form