Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
375. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the process in which medical card holders charged for blood tests by their general practitioner can apply to the HSE for reimbursement; the length of time this process takes for persons; the number of applications received for reimbursement in 2017, 2018 and 2019; if he is satisfied with the current process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27970/20]
View answerPersons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly.
I am aware that, nonetheless, some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances and I have asked my officials to discuss with the HSE what further solutions to this issue may be possible.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
Regarding the number of reimbursement applications and the length of time that process takes, as these are service related matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on these matters, as soon as possible.
