John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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672. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some general practitioners are charging medical card holders a fee for blood tests; the steps the HSE is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5250/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Persons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. 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 and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly. This has been advised to GPs by the HSE.

The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in, having commenced last year, will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients’ condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.

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 should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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673. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review arrangements in relation to medical cards in post-operative situations such as in the case of a person (details supplied); if an extension of the medical card will be considered in such circumstances; if the management of such cases will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5252/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.