Paul Kehoe
Ceist:389. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the reason urgent care service funding has ceased in a surgery (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55396/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 11 November 2021
Ceisteanna (389)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, GPs are reimbursed for a range of services they provide to medical card and GP visit card holders on behalf of the Health Service Executive. GPs are remunerated for these services primarily on a capitation basis, with a range of additional support payments and fees for specific items of service.
The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is responsible for making payments to Primary Care Contractors, including GPs. The reimbursement payments to independent practitioners are not salary and practitioners must meet their business expenses out of same.
Following engagement with the Irish Medical Organisation, a grant-based system of funding for GP Out Of Hours Co-operatives has been in place since March 2020 to support Out of Hour services during the pandemic. In accordance with the agreed system, no Out of Hours or other claims for consultations during Co-op hours of operation are claimable by the Co-op or their members from the PCRS.
The PCRS has a legal obligation to ensure that resources are used for the purpose for which they are intended and is obliged to verify the reasonableness and accuracy of all claims submitted for payment. A validation mechanism exists for claims made by Co-op members during the hours of operation of grant aided Co-ops.
Where GPs have any queries or concerns in relation to the validation mechanism or their GMS remuneration, there is a specific email contact point provided pcrs.doctorsqueries@hse.ie. Where information is provided that clarifies that any claim held under the validation is in line with contracts PCRS ensures same is paid.