ABSTRACT
A working day can scarcely go by for the average GP without being asked to undertake some form of patient service that is outside the scope of the GP's contract with the NHS. Providing GPs meet the terms of their NHS contract, there is no limit to the amount that they may earn from private practice. Fees for almost all the services that GPs may provide privately are negotiated or considered by the Private Practice and Professional Fees Committee of the British Medical Association (BMA). The fees are grouped into four broad categories: fees prescribed by statute or statutory instrument, fees negotiated nationally (UK) with government departments and other employers, fees negotiated nationally with other representative bodies, and fees not covered by negotiation or statute. The level of fees is for agreement between the doctor and the party requesting the work.
