Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
600. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to engage with an organisation (details supplied) to resolve ongoing disputes regarding charging for routine phlebotomy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43429/20]
View answerThere 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. This has been advised to GPs by the HSE.
The issue of GPs charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services is complex given the numerous different reasons and circumstances under which blood tests are taken. My Department and the HSE discussed this issue previously with the organisation concerned. However, it did not prove possible to achieve agreement that no charges for blood tests would be applied in any circumstances. It is intended to raise this issue again at an appropriate time.
It should be noted that 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.
In addition, 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. Local management investigate each complaint received and, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
