Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
163. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of general practitioners charging medical card holders excessive sums of money for blood tests and ear syringing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45450/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess." 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. The removal of wax by ear syringing is also considered to be comprehended by the GMS contract if the removal of wax forms part of the "proper and necessary treatment" required by an eligible patient. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that in recent times some GPs have begun to charge GMS patients for phlebotomy and ear syringing services in some circumstances.
This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position of the Government and the Oireachtas that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes they have been incorrectly charged for routine services by their GP, or the practice nurse on behalf of their GP, they should contact their Local Health Office, who can investigate the matter in accordance with the HSE complaints policy.
In order to achieve clarity on these issues, I have asked that any difference of perspective in relation to the provision of phlebotomy and ear syringing services be addressed in the GP contractual review process, which is currently underway. The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. I look forward to constructive and positive engagements with a view to achieving a satisfactory outcome.
