Vol. 525 No. 2
442 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the capitation system for the general medical scheme is beneficial and has helped to develop and enhance this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24017/00]
The capitation system for the GMS scheme was introduced in 1989 after a review of the operation of the scheme in the mid-1980s. Initially, the scheme had been on a fee per item basis but the evidence available at the time of the review and subsequently indicates that the movement from a fee per item to a capitation based system is a most positive one. From a patient perspective, clinical care is unaffected as it remains solely the responsibility of the general practitioner. From the viewpoint of the individual GMS scheme general practitioner, he or she is able to estimate with a greater degree of accuracy his or her likely income for the year, which makes planning for personal and professional affairs easier, and the State is also better positioned to not only estimate projected costs but also to exercise control over their potential escalation.
