Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1273. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to resolve the issue of general practitioners charging GMS patients for routine blood tests that has been tabled at HSE national level for discussion, but has remained unresolved for well over a year. [25549/16]
View answer1306. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason the issue of general practitioners charging GMS patients for routine blood tests is under discussion by the HSE nationally and deemed to be unresolved, and patients not reimbursed despite clear correspondence previously making it clear that this practise was not permitted (details supplied). [25660/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1273 and 1306 together.
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.
The issue of GPs charging medical card or GP visit card holders for routine blood tests has been addressed by the HSE and it has clearly stated its position to GPs. Any proven instances of eligible patients being asked to pay for a routine service of this nature by their GP will be viewed as a serious matter by the HSE.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes they have been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by their GP, they may wish to make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE’s Complaints Policy. Contact details for all Local Health Offices can be found on the HSE’s website.
