GPs warned over bills for medical card holders

Despite a diktat from Kathleen Lynch, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, many GPs now charge for blood tests, because of the costs involved, including courier fees.

It’s understood that fees charged by doctors range from €10 to €45 for medical card patients.

A HSE spokesperson told the Connacht Tribune: “The HSE’s position is if blood is taken and is part of the treatment process, medical card or GP visit card holders should not be charged.

“GPs have previously been notified that any cases made where such patients are being charged for the taking of bloods will be investigated by the HSE.

“Medical card patients who feel that they have been inappropriately charged should contact the Primary Care Department on 091 775673, where their complaint will be investigated. If a charge to a patient is found to be made inappropriately, we will arrange for a refund,” the spokesperson said.

Speaking in the Dáil on the controversial charges, Minister Lynch said: “It is not acceptable for [medical card] patients to be subject to a charge for procedures associated with routine diagnosis and treatment,” she said.

The National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) has defended the practice of doctors charging for blood tests.

Chairman, Dr Andy Jordan said: “Blood tests simply aren’t covered under the GMS (General Medical Services) scheme, so it's wholly reasonable for GPs to pass this cost onto the patient.

“The alternative is for GPs to refer the patient on to a hospital which will take far more time, cost the State considerably more, delay diagnosis and add considerably to the stress of the already worried patient”.

“The HSE acknowledges that their contract with GPs is “ambiguous”, so it seems somewhat unreasonable for them to pass these charges on to GPs, particularly when the total administrative cost probably exceeds the money reclaimed,” said Dr Jordan.