Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Doctors' Consultation Charges.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

51 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health the distinguishable difference, if any, in the charges made by doctors for consultations where the cost is borne by the patient and by the VHI; if the cost of routine consultations is as high as fivefold if the cost is being borne by the VHI; if he approves of such a practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The VHI has advised my Department that it has no information to support a claim that its members are charged up to five times more for routine consultations. The level of fees charged by a consultant to a private patient is a matter between these two parties.

The VHI operates a full cover scheme whereby consultants agree to accept enhanced benefits as full payment of their fees. Approximately 94 per cent of consultants are currently participating in the full cover scheme. Consultants who do not participate in the scheme are paid a standard rate of benefit and VHI members may be subject to a balance bill. Under its primary out-patient healthcare scheme VHI members receive benefit of up to £30 for a consultant specialist consultantion subject to an annual excess which is not covered. VHI members are free to attend consultants of their choice.

It is a matter for the VHI board to decide appropriate arrangements for the payment of benefits in respect of members.