Abstract
Charges within the National Health Service are complex and often poorly understood. It is widely accepted that money should not be a barrier to accessing vital health services in this country. However, it is still necessary for healthcare to be paid for. This leads to a complex set of regulations determining who pays for services and what services they must pay for. This can cause confusion and fear for those unable to navigate the complex system. Doctors who are not aware of the charging systems may be poorly placed to support and advocate for their patients. This article seeks to explore and summarise the charges present within the NHS, in order to understand who is eligible for free healthcare.
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