Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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406. To ask the Minister for Health if there are guidelines or rules for general practitioners charging for taking blood samples; and if this procedure is covered by the medical card. [7170/18]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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449. To ask the Minister for Health if a case (details supplied) will be reviewed; if this is accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 449 together.

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 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.

This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Governments, 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 take the matter up with the HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE's Complaints Policy.