General Medical Services Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Questions (422)

Robert Troy

Question:

422. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the status of a charge general practitioners impose on regular blood tests in respect of patients who are suffering from a long-term illness and who are registered under the medical card scheme; if it is standard practice to impose a charge of €20 on each blood test; and if he is aware of the case of persons (details supplied) where the general practitioners imposed a charge of €30. [18250/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Persons 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 illness or the treatment of a condition.

In relation to the specific case mentioned, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue. 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.