Know Your Rights

GP SERVICES WITH MEDICAL CARD

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.

Killarney – 0761 07 7820 Email killarney@citinfo.ie.

Tralee – 0761 07 7860 Email tralee@citinfo.ie e

Caherciveen – 0761 07 7780 Email caherciveen@citinfo.ie Kenmare – 0761 07 7810 Email kenmare@citinfo.ie Killorglin – 0761 07 7830 Email killorglin@ citinfo.ie Listowel – 0761 07 7840 Email:.listowel@citinfo.ie Phone Centre No: 0761 07 4000