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Practices warned over ‘free’ directory service

By Gareth Iacobucci

Practices have been urged to be vigilant after some GPs were left facing bills of several hundred pounds after signing up to a supposedly ‘free' directory listings service.

United Directories LDA has written to a raft of GPs to offer them a ‘free' listing the ‘Physicians Register'.

But the small print in the agreement reveals that GPs who reply have agreed to advertise in the guide, and will therefore be charged over 1,000 Euros per year for entry onto the register.

GP leaders have warned that the company, which is operating from Portugal, has subsequently sent letters to GPs that signed up threatening legal action if they fail to pay up.

A warning from Londonwide LMCs said: ‘We are aware that some practices have received communication from the "Physicians Register" asking them to check that their database entry is correct. Examination of the small print reveals a charge of over one thousand Euros per year.

‘Please be aware that signing and returning a form from this company may leave you open to be charged by Physicians Register for what is essentially an advertisement in the publication.

United Directories LDA did not respond to requests for comment.

Practices warned over 'free' directory service