I propose to take Questions Nos. 805, 997 and 1253 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 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.
The HSE will fully investigate any reported incidents of eligible patients being charged for such services and will explore all legitimate options to effect an appropriate redress for patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he/she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his/her GP, the 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.
I have no role in determining what notices can be displayed in GP practices, however, I share the Deputy's concern that in certain instances GMS patients are being charged for routine phlebotomy services. In order to resolve this issues, the provision of phlebotomy services will be addressed in the forthcoming GP contractual review process. Initial engagement with GP representative bodies will commence in the coming weeks.