Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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1041. To ask the Minister for Health if a general practitioner can charge a medical card holder a cost for blood tests when those blood tests are required to monitor an ongoing medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no provision under the GP GMS contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to 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 advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I understand that in recent times, some GPs are charging GMS patients for these services.

If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient may make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE's Complaints Policy.

In order to achieve clarity on this issue, I have asked that any difference of perspective in relation to the provision of phlebotomy services be addressed in the GP contractual review. I am pleased that engagement with GP representative bodies to progress this process has commenced and I look forward to constructive and positive further engagements.