Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
805. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the procedures regarding general practitioners (GPs) charging patients for routine blood tests in view of the fact some GPs are now reporting to be charging €25 per test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41035/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra997. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if full medical card holders should have to pay their general practitioners for blood tests; and, if they have been charged and paid for these tests, can they receive a refund from the HSE or PCRS. [41476/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1253. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if notices on charging GMS patients for blood tests, as well as charging itself, are allowed (details supplied); the recourse, other than making a complaint, which is available to patients that have been charged by their general practitioners for blood tests when they are needed and the way a refund can be sought; the action he will take with general practitioners to overcome this issue and barrier to care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1435/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
