Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
577. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a refund, given that the person has been paying for blood tests, and is the holder of a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28533/15]
View answerPersons covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme should not be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of a patient or to monitor a diagnosed condition. Furthermore, a GP is precluded from demanding or accepting payments, other than payments from the HSE as provided for under his/her contract, for services covered by the GMS contract, such as issuing a letter of referral to another service/clinician.
I have been advised by the HSE that its Local Health Offices will fully investigate any reported incidents of eligible patients being charged for phlebotomy services which form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients' symptoms or conditions.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2015 commits the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO to substantive negotiations on a new comprehensive GP contract commencing no later than 31 March 2015 with a view to concluding within 12 months. These discussions have commenced and the appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services will be considered in this context.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
