asked the Minister for Health the total cost of the choice of doctor scheme to date; the amount by which this cost exceeded the estimated cost; the average number of patient visits to doctors; and when it is expected that a review of the scheme will take place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Choice of Doctor Scheme.
12.
The choice of doctor scheme came into operation in the Eastern Health Board area on 1st April, 1972, and was extended to the whole country on 1st October, 1972. I have taken the figures from the later date as it is only from then that the scheme can be viewed as a whole.
The estimated cost for the year ended 30th September last was £9.9 million. The actual cost is estimated to have been £12.5 million, or £2.6 million more than the original estimate.
The estimated average number of visits by patients to doctors was 4.3. The domiciliary visiting rate was about 1.2.
I intend during the present month to communicate with the medical organisations regarding a review of the scheme.