Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
27. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he will review the health services that are covered by the medical card, with a view to including such costs as signed letters from a GP or nurse and blood tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49085/23]
View answerUnder the GMS scheme, GP services are provided without charge to GMS patients, people who hold a medical card or GP visit card. The terms of the GMS contract set out that GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment" that is usually undertaken by a GP and which does not require specialist skill or experience that the GP cannot reasonably be expected to possess.
The contract stipulates that fees for medical and GP visit card holders are not paid to GPs under the contract in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences". Services provided outside the terms of the contract are a matter of private contract between the GP and their patients.
The issue of GPs charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services (blood tests) is complex given the numerous reasons and circumstances under which blood tests are taken. Determinations as to whether a blood test should be taken to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of an illness are made by the GP concerned. There is no provision under the GMS contract for GMS patients to be charged for such blood tests. Blood tests undertaken in the context of services provided under the GP Chronic Disease Management Programme are covered by the fees paid to GPs for this care.
This issue has been raised previously with the relevant GP representative body, however, it was not possible to achieve agreement that no charges for blood tests would be applied in any circumstances. Where a GMS patient believes they have been incorrectly charged for phlebotomy services by their GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. Local management upon being notified will contact the GP concerned and carry out an investigation into the complaint and, where appropriate, will arrange for a refund of the charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
