Róisín Shortall
Question:230. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the charging of medical card patients for blood tests and if a courier charge applies. [31280/16]
View answerThursday, 20 October 2016
Questions (230)
Written answers
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 HSE has addressed this issue and advised GPs that where the service forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, it should be provided free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he-she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services or associated courier charges by his-her GP, then that patient 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.