GP Charges

[sheilarose]

Is it normal practice for a GP surgery to have a premium rate telephone number, and to charge ?25 for a referral letter (for private physiotherapy because the waiting list for the in-house physio is too long)?

[Dopamine1979]

I think it's not on for them to charge for a private referral letter in a situation where they would have referred you via the NHS anyway.

[Townleygreen]

No to the premium phone line - dinosaurs

[JohnL]

The GPs say they are tied in. Argument ongoing between DoH and BMA - but the DoH has banned them.

http://www.gponline.com/News/article/1119156/BMA-disputes-DH-guidance-premium-rate-practice-phone-numbers/

I'd email them the guidance leaflet - there's a link to it - and ask for call backs. They have

had a year and a half.

[intexasatthe moment]

Is this Forest Hill Rd practice ? ( I recognise both issues and have had experience of unnacceptable delays for physio )

[sheilarose]

Yup.

[intexasatthe moment]

I have trouble with frozen shoulders .

Having been failed by Forest Hill Rd practice with first one I used someone privately when the second one kicked off .

She's excellent and can do home visits .

Can PM you details if you like .

[sheilarose]

Thanks for the offer. I'm okay for now, but if things go pear-shaped again, I'll be in touch.