Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 10 October 2017, the status of routine blood tests, for example, as part of a general look-up or as part of a liver check (details supplied). [44577/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As previously stated, 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. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that in recent times some GPs have begun to charge GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances and this is a matter of concern for me.

If the Deputy is aware of specific incidents of patients being inappropriately charged, he or the patients concerned, may make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office with all the information available, where it will be dealt with in accordance with the HSE's Complaints Policy.