GP Now - false advertising!

twinge

I joined the subscription medical service GP Now because I thought one yearly fee covering all GP costs, flu innoculations, checkups and travel vaccinations was a good idea. Turns out, I was lied to - although the website promises travel vaccinations (http://www.gpnow.ie/medical-services/travel-health/) it seems I have to go to a travel medicine clinic and shell out as much as GP Now costs a year.
I'm going to the NCA - you have to deliver what you promise!:mad:

emmabee

What was their reason for not administering the vaccines? It is pretty clear on the site that they are covered??

I recently went to them for a visit regarding dermatology, they referred me to the Beacon private which would have cost €800 for the procedure I need, thought that was a bit slimy - they must have a commision scheme. Icalled back up and the reception lady who is lovely sent the referral to Vincents instead...

L1011

The website says "full consultation", not "vaccines". Were you expecting to get a bunch of extremely expensive vaccinations provided for free or what?

Majority of travel vaccines cost 35+ per shot cost price.

If you were refused a consultation/the actual administration, you'll have some case. If you're complaing of being expected to pay for the shots, the NCA will laugh at you.

nino1

twinge wrote: »

I joined the subscription medical service GP Now because I thought one yearly fee covering all GP costs, flu innoculations, checkups and travel vaccinations was a good idea. Turns out, I was lied to - although the website promises travel vaccinations (http://www.gpnow.ie/medical-services/travel-health/) it seems I have to go to a travel medicine clinic and shell out as much as GP Now costs a year.
I'm going to the NCA - you have to deliver what you promise!:mad:

Can you not read your own link?
It clearly says "adminstration of vaccines"!
And in case you missed that at the bottom it says
"Please consult the GP for details on the cost of the vaccine you require" :rolleyes:

Padraig Mor

nino1 wrote: »

Can you not read your own link?
It clearly says "adminstration of vaccines"!
And in case you missed that at the bottom it says
"Please consult the GP for details on the cost of the vaccine you require" :rolleyes:

In fairness, I can't blame someone for thinking that "administration of vaccines are included" means that the shots themselves are free. It's (presumably unintentionally) very misleading.

godtabh

Padraig Mor wrote: »

In fairness, I can't blame someone for thinking that "administration of vaccines are included" means that the shots themselves are free. It's (presumably unintentionally) very misleading.

you can if they didnt read the following line

Please consult the GP for details on the cost of the vaccine you require

ene

i used gp now last year and had to get travel vaccinations

i had to buy the actual vaccinations in a pharmacy and then bring them to gp now who then administered them

since i use the drug payment scheme i actually got the vaccinations for free

gp now dont stock the vaccinations themselves

ladysarah

just got leaflet in door tonight. they are opening in Cork but I have a great GP and am slow to move! Are they good

Quiet Lurker

ene wrote: »

i used gp now last year and had to get travel vaccinations

i had to buy the actual vaccinations in a pharmacy and then bring them to gp now who then administered them

since i use the drug payment scheme i actually got the vaccinations for free

gp now dont stock the vaccinations themselves

Hmmmmm Travel vaccines are not covered by the Drug Payment Scheme so there was an error somewhere. You should have been charged for them.

lilmissprincess

I've gone three times to them in Cork and have found both doctors to not listen, the first one moreso, I had two appointments with him (pain issue) in which I was told that yes, I could drink while on certain medication and that I'd be fine painkillering up, no extra examination done. Was left feeling like I was wasting their time and just left in a fit of rage. Second doctor had bedside manner of a serial killer, jammed thermometer into my ear so hard I yelped out in pain and when I expressed pain decided the best way to judge it was to poke - hard.

Never again, unsubscribing. Yes other doctors may cost more but I don't trust this lot.

Glinda

We've been using them for a few months now, have had no problems at all. Having said that, we have only had to visit a few times (Kids with sore throats etc.) Were always seen quickly, doctor seemed perfectly fine, effective, efficient, friendly.

Although we'd been with our previous GP for years I got seriously fed up with not being able to get an appointment when I needed one (sometimes when kids quite ill being told to either wait a couple of days or come down -with highly infectious child with a roaring temperature- and be prepared to sit in the surgery for a few hours. Also, we found that both myself and my other half were avoiding going to the doc because of the cost, which is very unhealthy in the long run!

Few months ago, other half took a tumble off his bike and went to doc straight away with a sore shoulder (instead of grumbling and putting up with it for years as would have been the case before). Doc didn't like his heart rate, sent him on for an ECG. Quickly arranged, no charge.

Overall we are happy!

sandin

twinge wrote: »

I joined the subscription medical service GP Now because I thought one yearly fee covering all GP costs, flu innoculations, checkups and travel vaccinations was a good idea. Turns out, I was lied to - although the website promises travel vaccinations (http://www.gpnow.ie/medical-services/travel-health/) it seems I have to go to a travel medicine clinic and shell out as much as GP Now costs a year.
I'm going to the NCA - you have to deliver what you promise!:mad:

I've read the link over and over and still cannot see where the issue is.

Only issue seems that you have read a very clearly defined service totally and utterly incorrectly.

Surely you also understand that if you require a prescription for an ailment, that GPNow don't include the cost of the medicine? - Or maybe you do think it does? - cos that's effectively what you are saying.



Possibly a visit to specsavers is required rather than an embarrassing call to the NCA:P



"As a GP NOW member, you will receive a consultation with the doctor regarding all the health risks associated with your journey and final destination. This will cover issues such as food and water risks, deep vein thrombosis, as well as discussing the vaccinations and tablets required. a prescription may be provided for vaccines, alternatively a referral to a travel vaccination clinic may be required. Consultation and administration of vaccines are covered by your membership. - See more at: http://www.gpnow.ie/medical-services/travel-health/#sthash.I6p95B8p.dpuf"

Grab All Association

10 year upfront €999 isn't bad so that roughly works out at just under €2 per week

Pablo Sanchez

Chris___ wrote: »

10 year upfront €999 isn't bad so that roughly works out at just under €2 per week

Not bad at all, great value in fact, but a couple of things to consider 1) will they be still operating over the next ten years 2) the government making good on their promise of free GP cover for everyone under their new universal health insurance scheme.

sandin

Pablo Sanchez wrote: »

Not bad at all, great value in fact, but a couple of things to consider 1) will they be still operating over the next ten years 2) the government making good on their promise of free GP cover for everyone under their new universal health insurance scheme.

From check them out as I would love to give this to some of my staff if they were in areas I operate, I would be quite confident of their business model lasting.

Most people do not need to see a doctor more than once a year (except for annual check up, my last visit was about 7 years ago -wife's was 3 years ago), but the insurance aspect of knowing that any amount of visits are covered should there be a need is great. I haven't read any T&C's but woudl love if package depended on people doing an annual check-up as it would prevent a lot of illness.

Company behind it has some big name investors and they are planning a continued roll-out over a 5 year period (nice and paced), so I'd be fairly confident.

nino1

sandin wrote: »

I would be quite confident of their business model lasting.

That's a crazy thing to say especially in these economic times regardless of who the investers are and given as the last poster said the governments aim of free gp care.
If your reason is to be confident that your family would be covered then why not just renew each year rather than taking a 10 year gamble?

sandin

nino1 wrote: »

That's a crazy thing to say especially in these economic times regardless of who the investers are and given as the last poster said the governments aim of free gp care.
If your reason is to be confident that your family would be covered then why not just renew each year rather than taking a 10 year gamble?

If they had set up before the market imploded, I'd have concerns, but as they set up after the market imploded, their cost base matches the market but also their business model to me seems very well thought out as like any labour intensive business, the fixed costs are quite low with the primary variable cost being the GP's in attendance - more members, more gp required, less members less gp required.

Its just my opinion though, but after three years, you could say the other 7 are free.

Mitzy

I have been with GP Now since February this year. In general I find their service very good as my original GP's costs were increasing everytime I went and also the waiting times to see him were over 90 minutes even though you would have an appointment made.
With GP Now you are seen straight away and the cost is definately appealing to me.
My only criticism is that I find that they are very quick to refer you to a specialist for any ailment, for example I went earlier this year with a sinus infection & was asked if I had private health insurance. The doctor told me I needed an MRI. VHI would have only covered a portion of this cost but I would have had to contribute a lot of money to get this done. I felt that the doctor was a bit alarmist. I thought he should have waited to suggest this unless the medication he prescribed did not work. As it turns out the medication he gave me worked fine so this would have been an additional cost for nothing.
Has anyone else had this kind of experience with them?

Peanut2011

Me and the other half had signed up with them. Yes the cost was affordable, appointments were quick but I found the doctors we saw varied in quality a lot. So much so that one of them we saw, was consulting "Google" as to what type of check he should do!

He did not listen to the issues and there were general communication issues.

This was their Sandyford clinic. Let's just say we did not go back since and have discontinued our subscription!

This is good model in principle but my worry is the selection process they have for their GP's!!

sandin

Peanut2011 wrote: »

Me and the other half had signed up with them. Yes the cost was affordable, appointments were quick but I found the doctors we saw varied in quality a lot. So much so that one of them we saw, was consulting "Google" as to what type of check he should do!

My own doc in Newbridge uses google too! - Didn't know google had suddenly turned into a bad info service?

Unlike you, I asked him why he used google - he said it saved hours on checking books and sending people to specialists if he was happy he could identify something.

In the old days, the doc would take the details, you go home and he'd call you back or send you to a specialist - all costing a lot extra money.

Possibly you would like the doc to "guess" your ailment rather than to double check on what is essentially the biggest encyclopedia in the world and give you the correct diagnosis - his knowledge and learnign comes in by k owing if the info pertains to you.

Peanut2011

sandin wrote: »

Possibly you would like the doc to "guess" your ailment rather than to double check on what is essentially the biggest encyclopedia in the world and give you the correct diagnosis - his knowledge and learnign comes in by k owing if the info pertains to you.

Perhaps you are happy with that service and perhaps there are times it is justified to use it. Unfortunately I do not believe it is acceptable to "google" what routine test to do when you are there for a check up!!

In any case glad you like the service but it was not for me!

Eo1

Hi Folks

I want to make you all aware about my families experiences with GP now.

Twice this week I have needed to see a Dr in the Swords clinic for my kids.
On Monday my child needed to see a dr, what is rapidly becoming the "usual story" I telephoned early morning but they were very busy and unable to give me an appointment until Tuesday. Despite stating the case that my 6 year old child needed a GP today and could not possibly wait they could not facilitate. I ended up returning to my previous GP practice and paying an additional €55 to see a GP.

My youngest child also needed to see a dr on Thursday. Again the same story, unable to accommodate and they also had a GP out sick, whom they were not sure was going to be replaced. I ended up making 2 calls to the receptionist and getting one call back from a Dr on duty, who then agreed to squeeze my child in to be seen upon being informed of her symptoms.

With the exception of Dr Owens there is a constant through cycle of Dr's in this practice, in fact on a number of occasions when I have called they are now sure which dr will be on duty that afternoon or the next day.

It is a wholly Inadaquate service and a very temporary feel to the entire service provided. In my opinion there is absolutely no feel of a Family GP Practice.

Swords had a population of approx 40,000 people, not to consider all the surrounding areas population who are also using this service.

Would it not seem practical to have two gp's on duty, particularly on a Monday?
Also a nurse comes who can take bloods at one time per week, could this not be increased?

The product/service which is being provided is not suitable for purpose, the whole approach to care is inconsistent, it makes me question that if something was truly wrong other than flues, colds etc How effective would this clinic be in rapidly referring one on to specialist care etc, would any of these "locum" style Dr's be effective in quick enough to recognise symptoms etc etc

My advise simply is this do not waste your money by joining this practice!

mlink73

I am more than happy with the service I received from GP Now on Swords. I used to have my GP in Tyrrelstown Medical Centre and not only paid about 40-50 quid every time but also 20 quid for getting a prescription renewed, conveniently done only on a weekly base and happily charged every time I picked it up (I had a slipped disc and needed pain medication for 3 months - GP told me to get it weekly as it may needs to be switched and absolutely refused to do a 2 or more weeks script)

I often did not get appointments straight away, especially in the height of flu & cold seasons. Once I brought my partner there with 40C temperature and nearly fainting and they refused to see him. So even as a private patient you have no guaranty to been seen the same day, 50% of the time they couldn't facilitate and referred us to A&E.

I signed up with GP Now as we got a leaflet at work and it sounded very interesting. I actually went to my old GP one more time after that as I felt exhausted, lack of sleep and overall stress symptoms, he just absolutely ignored half of what I said, dumped 3 sleeping pills on me and charged me 40,- for that "service".

2 days later I used Swords GP now and found a very nice female doctor there who examined me very carefully, listened to what I described and actually diagnosed me with GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) brought on by several stress factors. She referred me to a counsellor and prescribed anti anxiety medication for 2 weeks, just to test the right dose, see how I respond and how I feel. After 2 weeks I was reviewed again and finally got a 6 months script as the medication and the dose were perfect.

I can't be thankful enough to that DR as she was the first who really listened and I feel like a new person, after being dismissed by my old GP and also on top of that charged for every repeat prescription I got - I can only recommend GP now to everyone, not only to save on bills but also to make sure you get good treatment.

Glinda

Just thought I'd add my experiences - since we joined around this time last year. Husband took a tumble off his bike and had shoulder pain that wasn't getting better, got an appointment without any issue, painkillers for shoulder but doc also detected a possible heart issue, referred for ECG. This was carried out in the Sandyford clinic (no charge) result normal, happy days. Daughter with nasty throat infection, no problem getting appointment, antibiotic prescription, follow-up appointment few days later to make sure all was ok (it was).

Then my own saga, returned from holidays with tummy ailment, got appointment without difficulty (worried about not feeling any better two weeks after getting ill), doc was concerned about a mass in my abdomen, arranged a return visit a week later, still not happy, referred to hospital for scans etc. (happily all turned out well in the end. Follow up appointment two weeks after hospital visit just to review test results and check all ok with me. Follow up appointment arrangement with specialist for something we didn't know about previously that showed up on the scan.

All in all, we have got good service and good value. I would say they may be a little quicker to refer you on than my old GP, but then they (old, relaxed GP) once misdiagnosed something very serious on one occasion that led to an eight-month delay in treatment which could have been fatal (but luckily wasn't).

The service in GP now reminds me a bit of doctors service in the States - lots of tests and quick referral to a consultant. Possibly a little over cautious at times, but then I find that reassuring in a peculiar sort of way!

countrynosebag

I would like some clear information re-travel insurance abroad.
60's , both of us and naturally certain conditions and medications.
We have the EUROCARDS and as far as I able to ascertain, (Not tekky) we are entitled to same medical entitlements as we receive in our own countries of residence in Europe
Also when we travel, there appears to be travel insurance with that ( not sure if that is compulsory) relatives kind enough to offer trip and in-laws in europe and so trip feasible.
These innoculations.......have full medical card, disabled, and pensioner status being settled just now.
Does anyone know where we stand on innoculations and insurances (he is on early retirement but has condition leading to serious consequences ) almost pensioner so.... we are an in-between pair.
We are extremely confused conflicting information and would like to be clear. Perhaps there are sites we could see?
Would be most grateful for both helpful and polite responses.

2Mad2BeMad

Chris___ wrote: »

10 year upfront €999 isn't bad so that roughly works out at just under €2 per week

depends what way you look at it really?

I'd probably see my gp once a year, this year I hav'nt even seen him yet

so if you take on an average of once a year over 10 years thats 500e, so in my eyes its not a good deal, but I can see how it is for people who have kids and all

I'm more stubborn I wouldnt see a gp unless I was on my deathbed:pac:

RainyDay

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

I'm more stubborn I wouldnt see a gp unless I was on my deathbed:pac:

Be prepared to get to your deathbed quicker than those who do fairly regular GP visits so.

keithclancy

countrynosebag wrote: »

I would like some clear information re-travel insurance abroad.
60's , both of us and naturally certain conditions and medications.
We have the EUROCARDS and as far as I able to ascertain, (Not tekky) we are entitled to same medical entitlements as we receive in our own countries of residence in Europe
Also when we travel, there appears to be travel insurance with that ( not sure if that is compulsory) relatives kind enough to offer trip and in-laws in europe and so trip feasible.
These innoculations.......have full medical card, disabled, and pensioner status being settled just now.
Does anyone know where we stand on innoculations and insurances (he is on early retirement but has condition leading to serious consequences ) almost pensioner so.... we are an in-between pair.
We are extremely confused conflicting information and would like to be clear. Perhaps there are sites we could see?
Would be most grateful for both helpful and polite responses.

If you mean the European Health Insurance Card (The blue one from the HSE) this only covers you for emergency treatment abroad under the same conditions as people in that country you are visiting.

More info here:
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559