Question
I
have a medical card but my doctor has recently charged me for a medical
certificate and for a blood test? Should I have to pay for these or should they
be covered by the medical card?
Answer
Doctors
provide services to medical card holders under the General Medical Scheme
(GMS). This means that they have a contract for these services with the Health
Service Executive (HSE). The services provided include consultations with
patients and necessary treatments that would normally be provided by a general
practitioner (GP). GPs also provide prescriptions for drugs,
medicines and appliances as required.
Not all GP services
are covered under the agreement. For example, if you need a medical report for
a driving licence application you may be charged. You may also be charged for
medical certificates for absence from work. If you need a medical report to apply for a social welfare
payment,
the Department of Social Protection may cover the fee.
If you have a medical card or a GP visit card
and you need a blood test to diagnose or monitor a condition, this should be
provided free of charge. If you have been charged for
a blood test by your doctor, you can complain to the HSE. The
HSE deals with
these complaints on a case by case basis and will arrange for a refund, where
appropriate. You make a complaint by
contacting your Local Health Office.
Further information is
available from the
Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Boyle Citizens Information Centre which provides a free and
confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 6330
Address: Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from
the Citizens Information Phone Service - 0761 07 4000
