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<p>No such assessment has been carried out by the Department. Many patients are exempt
from National Health Service patient charges. The dentist, when collecting the charge
on behalf of the NHS, is dependent if evidence is not provided on the patient’s statement
that he or she is exempt. Retrospective checks on eligibility are undertaken to protect
the overall NHS budget to which patient charges make an important contribution.</p><p>
</p><p>The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) carries this checking and penalty
service out on behalf of NHS England. It includes an appeals process.</p><p> </p><p>The
NHS BSA and NHS England however recognise there is concern that some patients may
not be clear on whether they are exempt from charges. The NHS BSA is working to further
improve information available. This includes steps to promote easy read patient information
amongst vulnerable patient groups, creating an online eligibility checker and developing
a national awareness campaign.</p>
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