Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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665. To ask the Minister for Health the reason some general practitioners are charging medical card patients for taking blood; his views on whether this is acceptable; if he will instruct general practitioners to end this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20210/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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 a patient or to monitor a diagnosed condition.

I have been advised by the HSE that its Local Health Offices will fully investigate any reported incidents of eligible patients being charged for phlebotomy services which form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients' symptoms or conditions.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2015 commits the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO to substantive negotiations on a new comprehensive GP contract commencing no later than 31 March 2015 with a view to concluding within 12 months. These discussions have commenced and the appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services will be considered in this context.