Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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115. To ask the Minister for Health further to parliamentary Question No. 79 of 8 March 2017, the measures he is planning in order to ensure that general practitioners do not incorrectly charge medical card holders for routine phlebotomy services; his plans to introduce sanctions for general practitioners that continue to charge patients incorrectly in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27869/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no provision under the GMS GP 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. I am aware that in recent times, some GPs have begun to charge GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.

This is a matter of concern to me as it has long been the position of Government and the Oireachtas that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. 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 process, which is currently underway. I look forward to constructive and positive engagements with a view to achieving a satisfactory outcome.