30,000 still waiting for medical card

micropig

So with 30,000 waiting on a medical cards, What exactly are the people working in the processing office doing all day? How many applications are they processing a day? How many people are are working in the office?


More easy going public servants me thinks.:(


According to RTE news 150 workers

59 working days between now and the end of April. 150 staff, processing 30,000 applications. Each has to process 200. This works out at each member of staff processing 3.5 applications a day.

Sindri

micropig wrote: »

So with 30,000 waiting on a medical cards, What exactly are the people working in the processing office doing all day? How many applications are they processing a day? How many people are are working in the office?


More easy going public servants me thinks.:(


According to RTE news 150 workers

59 working days between now and the end of April. 150 staff, processing 30,000 applications. Each has to process 200. This works out at each member of staff processing 3.5 applications a day.

I imagine it's something like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z023i8JZSUk

Freddie59

micropig wrote: »

So with 30,000 waiting on a medical cards, What exactly are the people working in the processing office doing all day? How many applications are they processing a day? How many people are are working in the office?


More easy going public servants me thinks.:(


According to RTE news 150 workers

59 working days between now and the end of April. 150 staff, processing 30,000 applications. Each has to process 200. This works out at each member of staff processing 3.5 applications a day.

Now now. Can't be Public Sector bashing. They work very hard you know.;)

micropig

Freddie59 wrote: »

Now now. Can't be Public Sector bashing. They work very hard you know.;)

Even if 75 of the staff are managers, that's 7 applications they have to process each:eek::p

MickySticks

Let them pay for own bloody medical expenses, I work and pay tax but I don't get to go to the doctors for free.

Sicken your hole!

micropig

MickySticks wrote: »

Let them pay for own bloody medical expenses, I work and pay tax but I don't get to go to the doctors for free.

Sicken your hole!

Ah now, there is some very sick / old people waiting long times for medical cards, it's not just the pyjama wearing brigade.

Whether they qualify for it or not is not the issue, its the length of time it takes for their application to be processed. Even if they were refused a medical card, their application would still need to be processed.

MickySticks

micropig wrote: »

Ah now, there is some very sick / old people waiting long times for medical cards, it's not just the pyjama wearing brigade.

Whether they qualify for it or not is not the issue, its the length of time it takes for their application to be processed. Even if they were refused a medical card, their application would still need to be processed.

Aww did Jacinta get a boil on her arse and have to pay to see the doctor?

I don't begrudge anyone in desperate need of a MC but they are handed out to easily in this country.

micropig

MickySticks wrote: »

Aww did Jacinta get a boil on her arse and have to pay to see the doctor?

I don't begrudge anyone in desperate need of a MC but they are handed out to easily in this country.

I agree. There are a lot of people who get them, who probably should't. The prices doctors charge in this country are ridiculously high and it is extremely expensive for someone in this country, without a medical card to be sick.

But even to refuse the application, it still needs to be processed by the efficient people in the medical card processing office, which taxes also pay for.

Lone Stone

micropig wrote: »

I agree. There are a lot of people who get them, who probably should't. The prices doctors charge in this country are ridiculously high and it is extremely expensive for someone in this country, without a medical card to be sick.

But even to refuse the application, it still needs to be processed by the efficient people in the medical card processing office, which taxes also pay for.

Dont feed the Troll brahh

But my old mother ill stricken id hate to see anyone in her situation waiting on one of these card's its hard enough for some one on disability allowence or what ever its called to get by these day's.

micropig

Lone Stone wrote: »

Dont feed the Troll brahh

But my old mother ill stricken id hate to see anyone in her situation waiting on one of these card's its hard enough for some one on disability allowence or what ever its called to get by these day's.

Sure all those ones they're complaining about, have the medical card already. It's mostly people who are in genuine need, who end up waiting 8-9 months to get the medical card.

woodoo

micropig wrote: »

So with 30,000 waiting on a medical cards, What exactly are the people working in the processing office doing all day? How many applications are they processing a day? How many people are are working in the office?


More easy going public servants me thinks.:(


According to RTE news 150 workers

59 working days between now and the end of April. 150 staff, processing 30,000 applications. Each has to process 200. This works out at each member of staff processing 3.5 applications a day.

Medical cards was centralised from the local offices to a central office in Dublin. The aim was to increase efficiency. The opposite happened. It was a massive failure of management.

They are trying to process medical cards and GP visit cards now for the whole country with 150 staff. They are hopelessly understaffed. Nobody working in that office now is dossing. They are flat out and snowed under. But they haven't a hope as they are so understaffed.

Point 2. Not all staff are processing. Some are supervisors, some are managers, some are assessing eligibility, some are processing, some are dealing with the public etc. Besides there is a 30,000 backlog. More and more applications are arriving each day. Without increase in staff numbers or overtime they will not make a dent in that 30,000. It will likely rise if anything.

Diabhal Beag

The most disgusting thing in this thread was the US Office video

micropig

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

The most disgusting thing in this thread was the US Office video

To me the most disgusting thing on this thread is that sick people have to wait up to 8 months to get their medical card, but hey, that's just me:o

Diabhal Beag

My joke has been taken behind the vet's shed.

woodoo

micropig wrote: »

To me the most disgusting thing on this thread is that sick people have to wait up to 8 months to get their medical card, but hey, that's just me:o

What exactly is the problem in there and how can it be fixed in your opinion?

i57dwun4yb1pt8

yes ,

and 450, 000 waiting for a job

as well as
4.5 million waiting for a government and polictians that put the country first and not themselves and relatives.

get in line i reckon .

opinion guy

I don't mean to interrupt anyones outrage with you know, logic, but I'm thinking that maybe it might help this discussion if we knew what was involved in processing an application. Maybe 3.5 applications a day is good ?


I'm also set to wondering - would you be equally outraged OP if they handed out all 30,000 medical cards in a month with all the expense that would entail ?

woodoo

opinion guy wrote: »

I'm also set to wondering - would you be equally outraged OP if they handed out all 30,000 medical cards in a month with all the expense that would entail ?

People are missing the point with this backlog. Lets say all 150 staff process applications for arguments sake. In a normal day they do 10 applications each. So the office is processing 1500 applications a day. Thats them working flat out.

So what happens if 11 applications start coming in every day for each worker from now on. They will fall behind by 150 apps a day, day 2 the backlog is 300, then 450 and on and on.

The backlog is likely to grow unless something changes fast. There isn't just 30,000 applications to be dealt with. Its 30,000 + their regular intake of applications.

micropig

woodoo wrote: »

What exactly is the problem in there and how can it be fixed in your opinion?

Problem is, people are dying because have to wait so long for their medical care

woodoo wrote: »

People are missing the point with this backlog. Lets say all 150 staff process applications for arguments sake. In a normal day they do 10 applications each. So the office is processing 1500 applications a day. Thats them working flat out.

So what happens if 11 applications start coming in every day for each worker from now on. They will fall behind by 150 apps a day, day 2 the backlog is 300, then 450 and on and on.

The backlog is likely to grow unless something changes fast. There isn't just 30,000 applications to be dealt with. Its 30,000 + their regular intake of applications.

1500 applications x 212(guess)working days a year =318,000, population of Ireland is only 4.4million.

If we could get exact figures for staff working on processing claims, including appeals etc

In 2009 the PCRS processed over 72,000 medical card applications which included nearly 42,000 reviews. With regard to these reviews, 85% of cases where the required information was supplied were completed within 20 working days and 95% within 30 days.

http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-01-28.658.0

Sean Haughey Jan 2009 speaking in the Dail 28 Jan 2009 talking about the backlog due to the transition to the new system.

20 extra staff have been brought in to help clear this backlog. The number of staff had been 130.

How many people who work in a department set up to process claims, actually process claims?

So 72,000/ say 60 staff each do 1200s claims a year. Each work 212 days a year. So each member of the 60 staff process 5.6 claims a day.

What's involved in processing an application/appeal? I don't know the exact ins and outs but I would imagine it's along the lines of

Pick up the form
Read it
Does it match the criteria?
Yes/No
Enter in system
Change name/address on standard letter
Put letter in envelope and in tray to be posted etc.
Next


How long would that take? half an hour a claim?

No, I would be happy if they gave out medical cards to all in a month. I would rather the appropriate applications/appeals are be refused.

woodoo

micropig wrote: »

1500 applications x 300 (guess)working days a year =4,500,000, population of Ireland is only 4.4million.

I was just using them figures to illustrate backlogs. I have no idea how many they d in a day.

A large amount of people don't send in the required info apparently and that causes delays writing out to them and waiting for them to respond.

woodoo

micropig wrote: »

What's involved in processing an application/appeal? I don't know the exact ins and outs but I would imagine it's along the lines of

Pick up the form
Read it
Does it match the criteria?
Yes/No
Enter in system
Change name/address on standard letter
Put letter in envelope and in tray to be posted etc.
Next


How long would that take? half an hour a claim?

I'd say application comes in, someone opens it and identifies who it is to go to
Check against system to see if they are already up on system
Set up new application on system
Send to person assessing eligibility (higher grade) this could take a while.. verifying info with employers, government departments, doctors etc.
Sent on to processor to process or to request further info.
Approve or refuse application
File application

I'd say when they get that busy and behind they are spending a lot of time answering queries and trying to find out what is what. Its a whole mess. They should have left well enough alone and kept the processing local.

micropig

woodoo wrote: »

I was just using them figures to illustrate backlogs. I have no idea how many they d in a day.

A large amount of people don't send in the required info apparently and that causes delays writing out to them and waiting for them to respond.

I changed my working days to 212, like yourself I just seeing it logically and I understand about backlogs etc. but from the edited figures in my previous post it works out each member of a 60 person team, each person processes 5.6 claims a day. How many hours is their working day?

I'm using the 2009 figure, 72,000 applications & appeals processed

If the form is not complete.
Same a processing other application.
Just different letter sent out and the application filed so that when the rest of the information is received it can be processed immediately.

woodoo

micropig wrote: »

I changed my working days to 212, like yourself I just seeing it logically and I understand about backlogs etc. but from the edited figures in my previous post it works out each member of a 60 person team, each person processes 5.6 claims a day. How many hours is their working day?

I'm using the 2009 figure, 72,000 applications & appeals processed.

In 2009 the majority of applications were dealt with in the local offices around the country.

They would do 9 to 5 hours

micropig

woodoo wrote: »

I'd say application comes in, someone opens it and identifies who it is to go to
Check against system to see if they are already up on system
Set up new application on system
Send to person assessing eligibility (higher grade) this could take a while.. verifying info with employers, government departments, doctors etc.
Sent on to processor to process or to request further info.
Approve or refuse application
File application

I'd say when they get that busy and behind they are spending a lot of time answering queries and trying to find out what is what. Its a whole mess. They should have left well enough alone and kept the processing local.

Say 5 people sort post
Given to person at desk (it will all be for them)
Type in to see are they on system & set up account etc. If for appeal sent to other dept.
Person verifies with doctors, dept etc (How do they do this phonecall or put letter in envelope to enquire?)
When all information gathered, check its meets criteria
Send to higher grade for approval in yeah or neah pile
Approval or refusal
File application

So while the application may take a bit longer depending on how fast the information is returned to the office, the process in the office does not change

micropig

woodoo wrote: »

In 2009 the majority of applications were dealt with in the local offices around the country.

They would do 9 to 5 hours

The HSE has informed the Department that its decision to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals to the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, in Dublin was in the context of its requirement to make efficiencies in business practices that could realise savings in a very challenging economic environment and provide a modern service to the public within sustainable levels of expenditure. The initial phase of the centralisation process commenced in January 2009 with the PCRS processing all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices in Dublin city to the PCRS

http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-01-28.658.0

6hours working -1hour lunch and 2 15 minute breaks

it takes 6 hours to process 5.6 applications. That's less than one an hour.

starbelgrade

opinion guy wrote: »

I don't mean to interrupt anyones outrage with you know, logic, but I'm thinking that maybe it might help this discussion if we knew what was involved in processing an application. Maybe 3.5 applications a day is good ?

It's easier though, for people to speculate & make shit up than to back it up with any real information, insight, experience or evidence.

theg81der

woodoo wrote: »

People are missing the point with this backlog. Lets say all 150 staff process applications for arguments sake. In a normal day they do 10 applications each. So the office is processing 1500 applications a day. Thats them working flat out.

So what happens if 11 applications start coming in every day for each worker from now on. They will fall behind by 150 apps a day, day 2 the backlog is 300, then 450 and on and on.

The backlog is likely to grow unless something changes fast. There isn't just 30,000 applications to be dealt with. Its 30,000 + their regular intake of applications.

Sounds like your saying they are deliberately keeping the work at a certain level to ensure it isn`t increased, to make a point and exert pressure.....nah public servants would never lol

micropig

theg81der wrote: »

Sounds like your saying they are deliberately keeping the work at a certain level to ensure it isn`t increased, to make a point and exert pressure.....nah public servants would never lol

I left a half an hour for chatting at the water cooler in my calculations 6 hours to process 5.6 applications

zenno

Here I am with a medical card and i never use it or needed to use it and i know i will never use it, but i'd give this medical card to a person that would need it now if i could. if it was possible to transfer it to a genuine person.

why does a reasonably young arsehole like me on the dole deserve to have it when there are people out there that really need it more than me ?. the minister for health should bring in a donation method even though it would be small for people that want to transfer and relinquish their medical card to someone that would benefit more from the use of this card now.

many people would not give up their medical card but i believe a few would for the people that need it most . call me crazy but there are people out there now that are desperate for proper medical assistance but cannot afford it.

micropig

zenno wrote: »

people out there now that are desperate for proper medical assistance.

& I better the stress of waiting for their medical card and dealing with the department doesn't do them much good:(

drdeadlift

micropig wrote: »

So with 30,000 waiting on a medical cards, What exactly are the people working in the processing office doing all day? How many applications are they processing a day? How many people are are working in the office?


More easy going public servants me thinks.:(


According to RTE news 150 workers

59 working days between now and the end of April. 150 staff, processing 30,000 applications. Each has to process 200. This works out at each member of staff processing 3.5 applications a day.

i will pay up to 200+ to stay away from public. a month

theg81der

zenno wrote: »

Here I am with a medical card and i never use it or needed to use it and i know i will never use it, but i'd give this medical card to a person that would need it now if i could. if it was possible to transfer it to a genuine person.

why does a reasonably young arsehole like me on the dole deserve to have it when there are people out there that really need it more than me ?. the minister for health should bring in a donation method even though it would be small for people that want to transfer and relinquish their medical card to someone that would benefit more from the use of this card now.

many people would not give up their medical card but i believe a few would for the people that need it most . call me crazy but there are people out there now that are desperate for proper medical assistance but cannot afford it.

And your special because you know the day and the hour you`ll get sick? What would you do if it was gone and you suddenly got a chronic illness? I got mine because I was sick, I couldn`t afford to go to the doctor what was I suppose to do? Why did you apply for it if you didn`t want it, mine was hard got even in the good days you obviously went through the process of applying? And what happens genius if you transfer it and then get sick?

micropig

The HSE implemented its decision to centralise the processing of all new applications and renewals of medical cards at the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, in Finglas, Dublin, on 1 July 2011. Following the centralisation of the service, the PCRS reported that it was receiving approximately 20,000 applications per week. The PCRS estimates that in excess of 80% of complete applications are processed within 15 working days. Delays can occur where applications are submitted without the correct supporting documentation necessary to complete the processing of the application.

All applications are given a unique application number by the PCRS, which is immediately notified to applicants. Applicants are advised of the importance of quoting this unique application number on all correspondence with the PCRS because it is used to track all correspondence as well as the current status of the application. In cases where an application is not complete, the PCRS writes to the applicant requesting the missing documentation.

In cases where a decision is made not to grant a medical card, the applicant is informed of the decision, notified of his or her right to appeal this decision and contact details for the appeals office are provided. Where appellants submit an appeal within 21 days of a decision, they retain their medical card or GP visit card until the appeal is decided. The appeals officer notifies the appellant of the final decision in the case.

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/12/13/00021.asp

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 13 Dec 2011

zenno

theg81der wrote: »

And your special because you know the day and the hour you`ll get sick? What would you do if it was gone and you suddenly got a chronic illness? I got mine because I was sick, I couldn`t afford to go to the doctor what was I suppose to do? Why did you apply for it if you didn`t want it, mine was hard got even in the good days you obviously went through the process of applying? And what happens genius if you transfer it and then get sick?

come on out of that. I am not special, I can handle my own problems but my whole point is, I would give this card to a person that needed it more than me. and ok if something did happen me I would sort it out myself like i always did without the luxury of the medical card. at the end of the day i don't need it and i will never need it so in my opinion i would rather give it to someone that needs it now. look i'm serious and i don't come on boards.ie to make stuff up. this is my opinion on it and that's the way i feel...I'd rather someone right now in need of it . have it.

ps...I applied for it because i could.

It just bugs me that the people that really need medical and cannot afford it are stressed out and some people that i know, and if there was a way of transferring ownership of the card then that would be a great idea imo.

woodoo

It would be good if someone who works there or has friends or family working there could come on here and explain. Tell us what exactly is going on in the central office.

micropig

woodoo wrote: »

It would be good if someone who works there or has friends or family working there could come on here and explain. Tell us what exactly is going on in the central office.

My guess is the union is tangled up in the middle of what ever it is;)

ebixa82

zenno wrote: »

Here I am with a medical card and i never use it or needed to use it and i know i will never use it, but i'd give this medical card to a person that would need it now if i could. if it was possible to transfer it to a genuine person.

why does a reasonably young arsehole like me on the dole deserve to have it when there are people out there that really need it more than me ?. the minister for health should bring in a donation method even though it would be small for people that want to transfer and relinquish their medical card to someone that would benefit more from the use of this card now.

many people would not give up their medical card but i believe a few would for the people that need it most . call me crazy but there are people out there now that are desperate for proper medical assistance but cannot afford it.

Ok brains, so you give up your medical card, then the next day you develop a respiratory tract infection which requires a GP visit (50e) plus antibiotics (10-50e). But it doesn't shift it so you go to your GP again (another 50e) and he prescribes a different antibiotic (40e). Still no results.

So you are sent to the hospital for a chest x-ray (100e). They discover you have a tumour on your left lung. But now you have no medical card or health insurance. What next?

micropig

ebixa82 wrote: »

Ok brains, so you give up your medical card, then the next day you develop a respiratory tract infection which requires a GP visit (50e) plus antibiotics (10-50e). But it doesn't shift it so you go to your GP again (another 50e) and he prescribes a different antibiotic (40e). Still no results.

So you are sent to the hospital for a chest x-ray (100e). They discover you have a tumour on your left lung. But now you have no medical card or health insurance. What next?

That's not the issue here though.Criteria is set down and regardless whether the application/appeal is refused or granted, it still needs to be processed.

In 2009, 72,000 claims were processed.This figure includes 42,000 reviews. Why so many reviews? I know a certain number of people circumstances will change, but over half the applicants?Seems High. Are the first round of staff carrying out the assessment properly, or is it making jobs for the lads?

GrafenPills

MickySticks wrote: »

Let them pay for own bloody medical expenses, I work and pay tax but I don't get to go to the doctors for free.
Sicken your hole!

MickySticks wrote: »

Aww did Jacinta get a boil on her arse and have to pay to see the doctor?
I don't begrudge anyone in desperate need of a MC but they are handed out to easily in this country.

I know what you are saying. On one hand a person can work, pay their taxes and be expected the fork the bill where as people on the social wouldnt have to dig into their pockets a single bit... That don't seem fair. Of course the eldery and very sick excluded here.

But, on the flip side. Life isnt fair. Take advantage of what you are entitled to. If the government says people on the social can get medical cards. You cant blame the 30,000 in wait applying for one.

What side of the fence stuff it would appear to be.

ArmaniJeanss

micropig wrote: »

In 2009, 72,000 claims were processed.This figure includes 42,000 reviews. Why so many reviews? I know a certain number of people circumstances will change, but over half the applicants?Seems High.

That would imply that every medical card gets reviewed roughly every 18 months.
Seems fair, eminently sensible even?

ebixa82

Does anybody know under what agreement African and Middle Eastern people (Afghanistani, Pakistani etc) are entitled to medical cards?

Are they all claiming refugee/asylum seeker status and allowed medical cards while their application is being processed?

According to the article below Ireland has one of, if not the lowest levels of asylum acceptance in the EU.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/only-25-granted-asylum-last-year-lowest-rate-in-eu-2599995.html

(No racist comments please)

ebixa82

micropig wrote: »

That's not the issue here though.Criteria is set down and regardless whether the application/appeal is refused or granted, it still needs to be processed.

In 2009, 72,000 claims were processed.This figure includes 42,000 reviews. Why so many reviews? I know a certain number of people circumstances will change, but over half the applicants?Seems High. Are the first round of staff carrying out the assessment properly, or is it making jobs for the lads?

Reviews are needed to ensure people who should no longer be on the medical card (due to having found work, emigrating etc.) are no longer on it.

mattjack

woodoo wrote: »

It would be good if someone who works there or has friends or family working there could come on here and explain. Tell us what exactly is going on in the central office.

Please don't attack me.In the past I have worked in the building, as a contractor, where all medical card applications are now processed.I've worked with the HSE, for over eight years.I know some of the staff very well, including the employees who process the medical card applications.

As you can appreciate,every application arrives by post,the building is NOT a public office,(there are people who turn up and try and hand deliver an application hoping it will be processed there and then....try figure out that logic).
I have no contact or reason to look at an application and never do...members of the staff will tell us about the incredible amounts applications that arrive with no PPS number,return address,attempts to claim medical cards when applicants are not entitled to them,even attempts from abroad to claim cards.
This doesnt take into account the amount of phone calls that arrive every day looking for all sorts of info. about the medical cards.
Every single one of these applications ,as far as the staff are able to, will be processed .
I,m not defending the HSE or the medical card system, but I've seen staff with their heads in their hands with sheer frustration at some of applications that arrive.

MJ

Pingi

I worked for the phoneline for the medical card for a few weeks in the summer until I was able to get another job that related to my qualifications.

The people on the phones do not see the medical card applications ever, they just handle the calls and are insanely busy doing so (worst job I've ever had, < €9 PH too) sometimes there would be crazy waiting times for people to get through I saw anywhere from 0-40 minutes and we never had more than 30 seconds between calls. Always heard that the processing team where completely rushed off there feet worse than us and to try and cut down the amount of query's we would send up. It's not a case of the staff doing nothing More staff were clearly needed/under funded.

Applications at the time where taking from 3-8 weeks when sent full completed, But I would have to think less than half came in fully completed.

I completely agree that the forms should outline clearer and what evidence is required spelled out as the applications. As the main thing that delays applications is them being incomplete. You literally have to prove everything you put on the application and anything that can be traced as income to your PPSN which is only right.

The things people used to try and pass off where laughable. "I give me ma €70 a week rent" "the woman down the road minds my kids for €200 a week",

One woman told me she sent proof that she had an au paire which would bring her below the guidelines, I questioned this with the processors as I wouldn't of thought having an Au paire would count as childcare deductible from what you can earn and got a message back from them saying that she sent a letter in her own hand writing saying "I pay an au paire €300 a week signed X" :rolleyes:

All of the above might have been true, but whats to stop people saying they're paying out any amount of unrecorded cash of any amount. Also people wanting what they pay in private school fees, big car loans and credit card/phone bills taken into consideration PFFFT

People moving houses and not informing the HSE, Renewal applications going to old address and card expires, (they could have rang and requested a new form when they saw it was coming to an end) or People filling out the online application that clearly states you need to print and post all evidence once complete never doing so, then ringing up F'ing the call centre workers out of it cause they can't see the Dr for free

I've seen people eg those in road traffic accidents be given cards the next day for faxing through Drs reports and proof of there incomes. From what I saw they really do try and help as best they can with what they have.

micropig

ebixa82 wrote: »

Reviews are needed to ensure people who should no longer be on the medical card (due to having found work, emigrating etc.) are no longer on it.

Well it would take a team of 60 workers each processing 5.6 applications a day to hit the target of 72,000.

150 staff in the medical card processing, Can any one tell us, in a department set up to process applications,how many are actually doing this task? What are the others doing.

They claim that 20,000 applications are arriving in a week, why so few actually being processed.

mattjack wrote: »

Please don't attack me.In the past I have worked in the building, as a contractor, where all medical card applications are now processed.I've worked with the HSE, for over eight years.I know some of the staff very well, including the employees who process the medical card applications.

As you can appreciate,every application arrives by post,the building is NOT a public office,(there are people who turn up and try and hand deliver an application hoping it will be processed there and then....try figure out that logic).
I have no contact or reason to look at an application and never do...members of the staff will tell us about the incredible amounts applications that arrive with no PPS number,return address,attempts to claim medical cards when applicants are not entitled to them,even attempts from abroad to claim cards.
This doesnt take into account the amount of phone calls that arrive every day looking for all sorts of info. about the medical cards.
Every single one of these applications ,as far as the staff are able to, will be processed .
I,m not defending the HSE or the medical card system, but I've seen staff with their heads in their hands with sheer frustration at some of applications that arrive.

MJ

I understand about missing informations, but the process in the office is the same. Notify applicant of information missing, file the file for future reference. I doubt (but I could be wrong) that they sit looking at the application until the missing information is replied, They get on with the next one.


As for people emigrating etc. Noted on system, file is filed.

People applying that are not entitled-refuse, notify patient, record on system, file.

The only delay I can see would be waiting for returned information, the process in the office would remain the same.

And there is a lot of people in the department and I can't figure out what they all do..

mattjack

micropig wrote: »

Well it would take a team of 60 workers each processing 5.6 applications a day to hit the target of 72,000.

150 staff in the medical card processing, Can any one tell us, in a department set up to process applications,how many are actually doing this task? What are the others doing.

They claim that 20,000 applications are arriving in a week, why so few actually being processed.



I understand about missing informations, but the process in the office is the same. Notify applicant of information missing, file the file for future reference. I doubt (but I could be wrong) that they sit looking at the application until the missing information is replied, They get on with the next one.


As for people emigrating etc. Noted on system, file is filed.

People applying that are not entitled-refuse, notify patient, record on system, file.

The only delay I can see would be waiting for returned information, the process in the office would remain the same.

And there is a lot of people in the department and I can't figure out what they all do..

Fair points.... Again I worked there over a couple of years as a contractor,so my view would be based on what I see,the volume of post into that building regarding medical cards and the waiting time for phone calls always suggested to me that the staff were run off their feet.
I actually worked in the postal room and in reception as the phone calls arrive.

micropig

The PCRS has recently put in place a national on-line facility which allows local
health offices to track the current status of applications and reviews being
dealt with by the PCRS......

In addition to the above the PCRS has now launched a facility -
www.medicalcard.ie - where a person who has applied through the national
central office can view the status of their medical/GP visit card application or review online, using a unique reference number that is provided on the
acknowledgement sent to them. If a mobile telephone number is supplied with the application/review, an acknowledgement of receipt and the application status/progress of the case will automatically be delivered to the applicant by text message as their case proceeds through the assessment process.

The PCRS is also finalising the development of a facility which will allow people to apply on-line if they wish.

http://www.mater.ie/patients/leaflets/Letter%20re%20centralisation%20of%20medical%20card%20apps%20and%20reviews%20190110.pdf
So it's all on line:eek:

The HSE has also put in place a dedicated telephone number for Oireachtas Members enquiring about medical/GP visit card applications/reviews being
dealt with by the PCRS

:rolleyes:

As of the 8 October 2010 the central office has received 211,801 applications/reviews,
issued 171,237 medical cards on foot of these applications and a further 7,185 cards are
due to be issued in the coming days. 6,008 applications were not successful.
All complete applications are processed in 15 working days. The length of time it takes
to process an incomplete application depends on how quickly the client provides any
required missing information or documentary evidence to the office to allow the
appropriate process to be completed. In respect of every incomplete application we write
to the applicant and we request any missing information. We await information in respect
of 12,994 applications.

http://hse.ie/eng/about/PersonalPQ/PQ/2009_PQ_Responses/October_2009/Oct_13/Tom_Hayes_PQ_35378-09_.pdf

@MattJack I would love to spend a day watching what goes on in these places and thanks for sharing it, I'm now thinking they're far too many managers in these places and not enough people doing the task the office was established to do.

zenno

ebixa82 wrote: »

Ok brains, so you give up your medical card, then the next day you develop a respiratory tract infection which requires a GP visit (50e) plus antibiotics (10-50e). But it doesn't shift it so you go to your GP again (another 50e) and he prescribes a different antibiotic (40e). Still no results.

So you are sent to the hospital for a chest x-ray (100e). They discover you have a tumour on your left lung. But now you have no medical card or health insurance. What next?

some people just don't get it... my comment was layed out as said, i.e.. someone out there right now is in more need for it than me. I don't dwell on the future or if something happens as i am fine right now but if someone could use my card right now then i believe that would be helpful. that's all i was saying. the bloody thing is lieing here for a year and not once did i need to use it so i'd rather give it to someone that does need it. simple really.

people keep thinking about themselves all the time, me me me, stop to think that someone needs sh1t now.

mattjack

micropig wrote: »

http://www.mater.ie/patients/leaflets/Letter%20re%20centralisation%20of%20medical%20card%20apps%20and%20reviews%20190110.pdf
So it's all on line:eek:


:rolleyes:



http://hse.ie/eng/about/PersonalPQ/PQ/2009_PQ_Responses/October_2009/Oct_13/Tom_Hayes_PQ_35378-09_.pdf

@MattJack I would love to spend a day watching what goes on in these places and thanks for sharing it, I'm now thinking they're far too many managers in these places and not enough people doing the task the office was established to do.

@Micropig Sir.... from my experience , you just hit the nail on the head.

micropig

mattjack wrote: »

@Micropig Sir.... from my experience , you just hit the nail on the head.

I had suspected just as much;)

A round of sackings is in order, get in more people who of are of the right grade off the live register, who actually want to work.

Put the sacked out cutting the grass in Croke Park:p:D

ebixa82

zenno wrote: »

some people just don't get it... my comment was layed out as said, i.e.. someone out there right now is in more need for it than me. I don't dwell on the future or if something happens as i am fine right now but if someone could use my card right now then i believe that would be helpful. that's all i was saying. the bloody thing is lieing here for a year and not once did i need to use it so i'd rather give it to someone that does need it. simple really.

people keep thinking about themselves all the time, me me me, stop to think that someone needs sh1t now.

You seem to think that there is a finite amount of medical cards available.

There is not. If you need a card, you will be granted one. It's called means testing.

You are not depriving anyone of a card by not using yours.

The issue is the delay in processing, not that there is not enough available.