Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
365. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 373 of 1 October 2020, the status of discussions between his officials and the HSE on the possible solutions which could be found to the issue of medical card and GP card holders being charged for blood tests which are clinically necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40970/20]
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. Nonetheless, some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.
This matter was raised recently with the HSE, however further progress on this issue has not been possible. A full resolution to this issue will require engagement with the IMO.
The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in from this year will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients’ condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.
The position remains that where 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.
