Reports for insurance companies

Important note: Following the Association of British Insurers (ABI) decision to withdraw from the BMA-ABI fee agreement on reports for insurance companies, the BMA sought legal advice from leading Counsel confirming that the agreement was in the public interest and there was no reason why it should not remain in force. Although ABI no longer agrees these fees with us, the BMA will continue to recommend fees for work undertaken by doctors for insurance purposes. These fees are for guidance purposes only as it is ultimately up to the individual medical practitioner and the relevant insurance company to negotiate and agree an acceptable fee.

The BMA and ABI will continue to agree and issue their joint guidance 'Medical information and insurance'. The Professional Fees Committee has also produced separate guidance 'Insurance reports - guidance for medical practitioners undertaking insurance reports' which provides additional information on insurance fees and fee related issues.

Key points

In agreeing to undertake any professional fee/non-NHS service the following seven principles should be noted:

• Know when you can and can not charge a fee
• Be fair and indiscriminatory
• Always agree a fee in advance of undertaking the work
• Undertake the work properly and promptly
• Always consider the safety of the individual or the public above receiving a fee
• Ensure interests are declared (when appropriate) to the GMC
• Always seek the appropriate consent of the patient/individual.
   

http://www.bma.org.uk/employmentandcontracts/fees/aguidetofeesmaster.jsp  

(BMA membership and log-on required)