Automated checks of NHS fees punish the wrong people

Over the last ten years, using an automated system to reduce fee evasion, the number of NHS dental patients fined has increased enormously.

Some NHS dental patients are eligible for free dental care.  Others, as part of the NHS Low Income Scheme, are entitled to partial help with their fees. It is very important that patients understand what their payment status is. There is an increasing number of NHS dental patients fined each year.

Jane, an NHS patient in Stockport, has highlighted her case, to try to raise awareness of the problem.  To claim her discounted fees, she filled in the form. “The details were correct – I had just put them in the wrong box,” Jane said. It’s an easy mistake to make.

In December 2017, Lord O’Shaughnessy, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, addressed the question of how many people were fined.  According to the NHS Business Services Authority  217,539 fines were issued to patients in six months because they made an incorrect claim.

Dentists are concerned that the system hits people who are vulnerable.

Each year there are a lot of fraudulent claims for free health care, which is why it’s important to have checks.

However, dentists are concerned that there are patients who make genuine mistakes filling out a form. Because the patient signs to state the details are correct, that signature is binding. It’s hard to appeal against the fine too.

Don’t be one of the NHS dental patients fined:

• Come to the practice with a friend or relation who can help you. Often people are a bit nervous at the dentist, or have the treatment on their mind, not form-filling or payment. Bring along someone for company and support.

• Allow lots of time. Sit down to fill in paperwork, take your time and read it through. The NHS forms that are catching people out are official documents, so it’s important to be careful. A little extra time now can save a lot of trouble later.

• Ask the reception team if there’s something you’re not sure about. Although we can’t fill in the form, or state categorically that it’s correct, we are here to assist you, so please ask and we will do whatever we can to help.

Related reading:

• NHS charges
• 2017-18 NHS fees 
• NHS penalty charges for filling in the wrong information can be avoided
• Don’t lose your NHS registration
• Fluoride in our water

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