Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1410. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some general practitioners charge medical card holders for blood tests whilst the general medical services contract allows GPs to be reimbursed for these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25986/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 illness or the treatment of a condition.

The HSE has addressed this issue and clearly stated its position to GPs, pointing out 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. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes they have been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by their GP, they may wish to make a complaint to their 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.