Written answers

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Department of Health

General Practitioner Contracts

Photo of Declan BreathnachDeclan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 136 of 13 October 2016 and 159 of 18 May 2016, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE has stated after complaining to it (details supplied) and applying for a reimbursement of charges for blood testing that there is a loophole in the system whereby general practitioners have been advised by the IMO that they can charge for blood tests that are for monitoring purposes, that is, repeat bloods for an ongoing medical condition; if he will make arrangements to immediately close this loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26095/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon 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.

My Department and the HSE's position has consistently been that routine investigations or tests are comprehended by the provisions of clause 11 of the GMS contract which outlines the duties of GPs under the GMS scheme. In circumstances where particular tests are necessary to either (a) diagnose a patient or (b) monitor a diagnosed condition, the GP should not be charging eligible patients. However, GP representative bodies are not in agreement with this position and it has become apparent that some GPs are charging GMS patients for these services.

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 ongoing GP contractual review. I am pleased that engagement with GP representative bodies to progress this process commenced in January and I look forward to constructive and positive further engagements.

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