Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1028. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding changes to medical card holders for blood tests; the plans he has to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27804/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, a general practitioner (GP) is expected to provide his/her patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card with all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP. Where blood tests form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients' symptoms or conditions, these should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The HSE also points out that, in many GP surgeries, it is the practice nurse who takes blood samples. The HSE significantly subsidises the cost of employing practice nurses.

The HSE is continuing to advise eligible patients who believe they have been inappropriately charged by a GP for routine phlebotomy services, to seek a refund from the GPs in question. It is appreciated that because of the nature of the GP/patient relationship, it may be difficult for patients to make such complaints. Where public representatives are made aware of GPs charging GMS patients in error, they may wish to notify the HSE directly.

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new GMS GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It is envisaged that the new contract, when finalised, will focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.

Officials in my Department are in consultation with the HSE with a view to drawing up a new contract. I have recently had discussions with the IMO during which I outlined the Government's policy in relation to free GP care and I intend to engage in further discussions with the IMO once that legislation is published. The appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services and anti-coagulation therapy will be considered as part of the new GMS contract.