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1 - Central government departments and agencies

July 2008

Until 1993 fees for doctors undertaking work for central government departments and agencies were determined by HM Treasury’s general schedule of fees. When a revised schedule was agreed with the BMA in 1993 a number of departments, including the DSS/Benefits Agency and Department of Health, refused to implement the new rates and in 1995 the Treasury decided to withdraw from issuing guidance on the level of medical fees in this area. This meant that individual government departments/agencies were able to set their own fees. Since 1995, therefore, the BMA has reached agreements on fees with a number of departments and agencies which are set out in section A of this schedule. These fees are referred to as the BMA ‘Treasury’ rate.

The BMA ‘Treasury’ rate is simply an hourly rate and the fees for particular kinds of reports are merely indicative. It is always helpful, therefore, when agreeing to do the work requested, for the doctor to give an indication of the anticipated length of time it will take. As with all non-NHS work, it is vital that professional fees are agreed in writing before agreeing to undertake any work. Doctors who fail to take this precaution may encounter difficulties in recovering fees and, in such situations, the BMA will not be able to intervene to resolve disputes.

On receipt of an undertaking to pay the doctor’s professional fee at the agreed rate, the work should, of course, be completed as quickly as possible and processed in the normal way. It is important that if proper professional fees are to be charged, high quality reports should be produced and processed quickly – normally within 10 working days of receipt of the request.

Notes

• This fees schedule should be read in conjunction with the BMA guidance Fees for part-time medical services - read more here.
• The effective date is given above each set of fees.
• Members may obtain additional advice or clarification from askBMA - look here.
• This guidance was prepared by the professional fees committee and produced by BMA Marketing & Publications.