Policies

Last updated: 25.10.22

Identity Verification

In order to ensure your safety and the security of your data, we will need to be certain that you are who we think you are. We do this by asking you to bring some ID to your appointment.

Requirements

  • One from group 1 or two from group 2
  • Clear and readable
  • Where there is an address it needs to match the address we have on record for you
  • Current (ie not passed expiry date)
  • Within 3 months of the date shown if it’s a statement or letter
  • Where there is a photo it needs to be identifiable as you
  • You do not need to show any amounts or balance details on your bank statements

Group 1 – Any one of the following

  • UK or European photocard driving licence
  • Any national passport
  • US passport card
  • Proof of age card (recognised under PASS, with a unique reference number)
  • UK biometric residence permit
  • Northern Ireland electoral identity card

Group 2 – Any two of the following

  • Debit or credit card for a bank, building society or credit union current account
  • Student loan statement
  • Bank or building society statement
  • Mortgage account statement
  • Loan account (including hire purchase agreement) statement
  • Armed forces identity card
  • Proof of age PASS card

Under 18s

ID Checks are particularly important when consulting with under 18s to ensure their safety.

  • Where the patient is below the age of 18, but is accompanied by a parent (or legal guardian)
    • The parent will need to show their ID.
  • Where the patient is aged between 14 and 17 and they attend alone
    • They will be required to show ID themselves.
    • The doctor will consider the age of the patient when agreeing on the appropriateness of the consultation.
    • The doctor may need to carry out an assessment of the patient’s ability to make decisions about their health

Sick Note Policy

Medicspot doctors can issue sick notes after your consultation only if they have evidence that this is appropriate, as per government guidance.

  • A sick note can be issued by the doctor you see for the condition you are presenting with on the day.
  • Your doctor may ask for evidence of an illness, for example a hospital letter.
  • Any sick note issued is at the discretion of your doctor and is not guaranteed to be issued.
  • If you need an extension of a sick note you will need to book in to see a doctor again.
  • In order for us to maintain the highest standards, we have a strict policy, with some flexibility if we are sharing the notes with your NHS GP.
Maximum back-date Maximum duration per note Maximum no of notes per year
NHS GP informed 3 days 3 weeks 3
NHS GP not informed 0 2 weeks 2
  • Sick notes cannot be issued where
    • A patient is leaving their job and they don’t like the environment
    • A patient has problems with colleagues at work
    • A patient is caring for someone else who is unwell
    • The employer has requested the patient not work
  • Your doctor may feel a fit note is more appropriate than a sick note. This is a note which states you are fit for work with certain adaptations to how much you work, where you work or what work you do.
  • Your sick note will be sent to you by email within 24 hours of your consultation. It will be signed by a doctor and is like the one you would get from an NHS GP.

More information can be found here.

Face Mask Policy

Face mask exemption requests – information for patients

Face covering usage became a legal requirement in the UK from July 2020, to protect both the wearer and the people around them. However there are some people who are unable to wear face coverings for medical reasons. You may be exempt from wearing a mask if you have a physical or mental illness or in the following circumstances:

  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress.
  • If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
  • If you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering you.
  • If you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others.
  • If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering.
  • If you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard.
  • A child under the age of 11.

However, at Medicspot, we are unable to issue certificates for exemption of wearing a face mask, as we do not have access to your medical records. You are able to produce your own exemption card (see below).

NHS Exemption Card Template

Gov.UK Exemption Card Template

Further information and guidance can be found here.