Free Gp scheme for children under 6

Moonbeam · 14-06-2015 10:10pm #1

Here is a list of the participating GPs - https://www.pcrsonline.ie/libr/html/UGP_GPlist_by_LHO.pdf

mirrorwall14 · 14-06-2015 10:25pm

My practise hasn't decided yet and in my area Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock there are only 4 GPs on the list. Bah.

bp · 15-06-2015 1:42am

Excellent my GP is there :-)

contrary_mary · 15-06-2015 5:44am

In my town which has a population of over 30,000 one single solitary GP has registered.

uck51js9zml2yt · 15-06-2015 6:30am

Do medical card holders have to register?

cyning · 15-06-2015 6:50am

1 of the 10 GPs in my town has registered... Mine hasn't. We have a medical card until March but don't know what we will do after that... I really hope more sign up.

mirrorwall14 · 15-06-2015 8:43am

Can you sign up to anyone and then switch at a later date if your own GP signs?

Neyite · 15-06-2015 9:22am

Yay, my GP is on it!!

theLuggage · 15-06-2015 9:25am

Mine's on it too - online reg done and dusted!!

Balmed Out · 15-06-2015 9:34am

From what I can see the nearest to me is 50km, none between Bantry and Bishopstown...

bazermc · 15-06-2015 9:51am

My doc is on the website

But cant access the registration portal, presume has crashed!!!!!!!!!!!!

lazygal · 15-06-2015 9:52am

I just checked. I attend a two GP practice, one of them is named on the list but the other isn't. I don't really have a preference for either of them as they are both very good. I wonder if its an oversight.

mitresize5 · 15-06-2015 9:55am

any link for the registration?

bp · 15-06-2015 10:04am

mitresize5 wrote: »

any link for the registration?

Its on the rte.ie website. Cannot copy the link

bazermc · 15-06-2015 10:10am

mitresize5 wrote: »

any link for the registration?

https://www.pcrsonline.ie/portal/free-gp-care-web/pub

Supercell · 15-06-2015 10:14am

The practice we usually attend is not on the list and I suspect they are not likely to go on it either(its in an affluent area).
There is another practice that is fairly close to here that is on it, can we sign our kids up to that one instead? Never moved practice before so have no idea is that something you have to register to do or what? Tried calling the help line but there is just endless musak playing, presumably they are swamped. Thanks.

sillysocks · 15-06-2015 10:18am

lazygal wrote: »

I just checked. I attend a two GP practice, one of them is named on the list but the other isn't. I don't really have a preference for either of them as they are both very good. I wonder if its an oversight.

I wondered the same. We've the same situation - although the second doctor only does a few days a week and I'd guess the main doctor is the 'owner' and she just helps out. I did notice another surgery near us has a few different doctors listed from the same surgery but perhaps they work independently of each other or something. Time will tell! Like you I don't mind seeing either doctor anyway so not really a big issue.

bp · 15-06-2015 10:28am

Info on www.gpvisitcard.ie

Chardee MacDennis · 15-06-2015 10:54am

can i use multiple doctors?

If the one i signed up for isnt available? Can I attend another participating GP?

January · 15-06-2015 10:55am

Yes you can change GP to another one that is on the list.

If you have a medical card you don't have to sign up, if you lose your MC you can sign up then.

It's a GP visit card only, so prescriptions still have to be paid for.

Chardee MacDennis · 15-06-2015 10:59am

January wrote: »

Yes you can change GP to another one that is on the list.

I don't understand why I have to register with a particular doctor then?

If my children can attend any with the card...

January · 15-06-2015 11:02am

BastardPrince wrote: »

I don't understand why I have to register with a particular doctor then?

If my children can attend any with the card...

No, your child cannot attend any doctor with the card, you have to sign up to a GP who is participating in the scheme. Your child may only see this doctor for free then.

Chardee MacDennis · 15-06-2015 11:10am

January wrote: »

No, your child cannot attend any doctor with the card, you have to sign up to a GP who is participating in the scheme. Your child may only see this doctor for free then.

so what happens if my doctor isnt around? as per my first question? I just have to pay for another doctor?

pwurple · 15-06-2015 11:10am

Yay, thanks for the link! All signed up, our GP was on the list.
Delighted with that now.

January · 15-06-2015 11:15am

BastardPrince wrote: »

so what happens if my doctor isnt around? as per my first question? I just have to pay for another doctor?

Yes, or go to the out of hours doctor once it becomes out of hours.

Flippyfloppy · 15-06-2015 11:20am

My gp isn't on the list....gutted and surprised! They have a large young family base as they are particularly geared towards maternity services. Obviously they'll lose all those clients now?

January · 15-06-2015 11:22am

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

My gp isn't on the list....gutted and surprised! They have a large young family base as they are particularly geared towards maternity services. Obviously they'll lose all those clients now?

They might sign up over the coming weeks.

sillysocks · 15-06-2015 11:28am

I was surprised that the out of hours doctors are included. It's 60 eur to go to our local one and I assumed you'd still have to pay for that. But was delighted to see that's now free as well. I've two under 6, and while we are lucky to rarely go to the gp it's great peace of mind to know we can bring them now without worrying about the fees.

January · 15-06-2015 11:35am

I don't see how they wouldn't have been included, your own GP works in the out of hours practice. It is done on a rotation, so each GP does a certain number of days or 1 day per month etc. You've probably just never seen your GP working in out of hours because it wasn't their day.

It's like medical cards, you don't have to pay for out of hours GP if you have a medical card.

LegacyUser · 15-06-2015 11:42am

sorry, can I just ask about the out of hours one - my GP is a member of DDoc (out of hours service in Dublin) and also in the free Under 6s scheme. Does that mean I can use the card if I have to go to DDoc out of hours, regardless of the fact that I've never seen her there?

sillysocks · 15-06-2015 12:01pm

January wrote: »

I don't see how they wouldn't have been included, your own GP works in the out of hours practice. It is done on a rotation, so each GP does a certain number of days or 1 day per month etc. You've probably just never seen your GP working in out of hours because it wasn't their day.

It's like medical cards, you don't have to pay for out of hours GP if you have a medical card.

I just always saw that service as more of a 'private' service, although I did know that the gp's all take turns working a shift so I guess it makes sense but I'm definitely pleased about it!
I didn't know it was free on medical cards, never had one so wasn't sure how it worked.

bp · 15-06-2015 12:10pm

Just went though my 2 year olds medical receipts for the year so far - four visits and booked in again for tonight so five!!! Looking forward to free!

skD13 · 15-06-2015 1:14pm

Supercell wrote: »

The practice we usually attend is not on the list and I suspect they are not likely to go on it either(its in an affluent area)

I'm trying to figure this out, in my town of approx 20k one sole GP is registered. In the neighbouring town (generally considered "less affluent") 10 GPs have registered. I understand what Leo has done here, some GPs resisted so he said "fine guys, do your own thing and let's leave it to the market to decide". So what I really should be doing is voting with my feet and moving my whole family to a new GP. But the 1 solitary GP in town will surely not be able to cope, and going to the next town is an obvious inconvenience. So I guess my family, and many more in my town, are in a pickle; either move GP, who we like and have built up a relationship with, or just put up! It's a bit of a mess for people in some areas for sure.

pwurple · 15-06-2015 1:30pm

skD13 wrote: »

I'm trying to figure this out, in my town of approx 20k one sole GP is registered. In the neighbouring town (generally considered "less affluent") 10 GPs have registered. I understand what Leo has done here, some GPs resisted so he said "fine guys, do your own thing and let's leave it to the market to decide". So what I really should be doing is voting with my feet and moving my whole family to a new GP. But the 1 solitary GP in town will surely not be able to cope, and going to the next town is an obvious inconvenience. So I guess my family, and many more in my town, are in a pickle; either move GP, who we like and have built up a relationship with, or just put up! It's a bit of a mess for people in some areas for sure.

Or, people will put pressure on the GP.

I don't think it's got much to do with affluence or not. My GP is in an affluent area, but she is enthusiastic, modern and very up to date. The practice has put in a computerised system for everything, and is extremely efficient. So I'm guessing it's a question of good organisation there that might have something to do with it. Some GP's may not have gotten around to it yet. Some may outright disagree, you'll have to see.

Supercell · 15-06-2015 1:32pm

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

My gp isn't on the list....gutted and surprised! They have a large young family base as they are particularly geared towards maternity services. Obviously they'll lose all those clients now?

Mine neither, went down to another local practice that is on the list and they said they were swamped because of this and are not signing up any more people, really disappointed with our GP practice.
/edit - Just called my practice and they said that they have decided that they will now go on it

Moral of the story, call your GP even if it's not on the list to see if they are going to register on the scheme before jumping ship!

Flippyfloppy · 15-06-2015 1:40pm

Supercell wrote: »

Mine neither, went down to another local practice that is on the list and they said they were swamped because of this and are not signing up any more people, really disappointed with our GP practice.

Wow that's ridic. Our gp had a sign up in the waiting room that basically implied they'd be signing up but I guess only time will tell.

Dravokivich · 15-06-2015 1:51pm

January wrote: »

Yes, or go to the out of hours doctor once it becomes out of hours.

That's a bit annoying as her family is in Sligo. Our child can spend extensive time out there.

pwurple · 15-06-2015 2:19pm

I'm wondering if my health insurance premiums will come down now for the children. Our only 'claims' in the past four years have been for GP visits, about 2 per year.

Barr · 15-06-2015 8:55pm

Site seems to be down at the moment, cant register

Sligo1 · 15-06-2015 9:35pm

I'm unsure what to do. Our GP practice isn't on the list. I rang up and they said they hadn't decided but will know in a week or so... Now I'm torn as if I wait the week or so and they don't sign up... I may then be unable to sign with a different GP due to demand and them being overrun by the time the week is out? However, if I just jumped ship now and signed with a different GP I would hopefully get a spot for our family.

I'm happy with our practice... However, I obviously don't want to be paying if I don't have have too! Would you guys wait it out or just try to sign now with a different practice? I have a feeling my current practice do not want to be signing up if I'm honest...

lazygal · 16-06-2015 5:09am

How many times would you be attending? Personally I''ll stick with ours even if it hasn't signed up because I'm happy with it and outside of scheduled and elective vaccines I've only.had one visit so.the cost is minimal. But if my kids were in and out regularly I'd reconsider.

Sligo1 · 16-06-2015 6:43am

lazygal wrote: »

How many times would you be attending? Personally I''ll stick with ours even if it hasn't signed up because I'm happy with it and outside of scheduled and elective vaccines I've only.had one visit so.the cost is minimal. But if my kids were in and out regularly I'd reconsider.

That's the thing, if it was only once or twice I wouldn't mind. But they've been 4 times each this year already since Xmas! So I'm wondering if I should wait to see if my gp signs up and risk missing out on the scheme altogether?

LegacyUser · 16-06-2015 7:06am

I heard the minister on the radio yesterday evening and she said that if your GP has not signed up, the HSE is legally obliged to provide you with another GP - although she acknowledged this might be a bit tricky in areas where there was less cover - she didn't want people to have to drive 20 miles to see their GP. But I don't think you'll miss out on the scheme altogether.

lazygal · 16-06-2015 7:54am

Sligo1 wrote: »

That's the thing, if it was only once or twice I wouldn't mind. But they've been 4 times each this year already since Xmas! So I'm wondering if I should wait to see if my gp signs up and risk missing out on the scheme altogether?

I'd probably call other practices and check your f they're taking new patients. Then once I know they will I'd call your current practice and say if you don't know the situation by x date you'll have to move.

Sligo1 · 16-06-2015 8:14am

lazygal wrote: »

I'd probably call other practices and check your f they're taking new patients. Then once I know they will I'd call your current practice and say if you don't know the situation by x date you'll have to move.

Good idea. L is getting vaccines on Thursday so I will ring a few places in the meantime and if my practice doesn't know by Thursday I think I will just move and avoid the risk. We've spent hundreds on GP visits this year as both of them have bad chests.

Flippyfloppy · 16-06-2015 8:19am

I signed up to the only registered gp in my town of 30,000 people. Now if my own gp signs up soon, what would the process be of changing over? My own gp is extremely popular so I imagine there will be a huge influx signing up if they become available. Hope I haven't messed up, am attending them for vaccines and maternity stuff...would suck if I had to move/go to 2 practices.

ForestFire · 16-06-2015 9:09am

Just off the phone with the HSE (Medical cards) with some info that might be helpful.

Our doctor is on the list so I have no problem there.
But we are in the process of a possible move to another town in the area (30km away)

We will need to move GP then and the HSE (Medical Card) confirmed that it is possible to move GP (Re-register) for the under 6 GP Visit card if you require. You need to confirm that the new GP practice can take you as a patient first but I guess this is the case anytime you need to find a new GP.

Also my current GP has confirmed that I need to register with the main GP, but we can see any GP in that practice under the card (maybe different per practice).

Also all out of hours services are coverd country wide (If you are on holidays for example), but not other GPs

Rose35 · 16-06-2015 9:46am

pwurple wrote: »

I'm wondering if my health insurance premiums will come down now for the children. Our only 'claims' in the past four years have been for GP visits, about 2 per year.

I am going to move my son to a hospital only plan now only really used the plan with the day to day expenses for gp visits, we have separate dental insurance. Will be paying less all round now. Excellent. And my GP is a participating doctor so happy days.

Sligo1 · 19-06-2015 6:52am

Does anyone here know if it would be possible to register with a GP on the scheme and then if my own GP decides to register could I change back to them? I was talking with my practice yesterday and they won't know for 2 weeks (ish) if they are going to sign up or not. Am afraid We will miss out if we don't sign up smartly. However, is this a case of once we register with someone we are stuck with them?? Thanks again

uck51js9zml2yt · 19-06-2015 7:02am

Shouldn't be a problem switching back.

But....people need to ask their practice why they haven't signed up and if they are being told they will know in a few weeks. They need to ask what they will know.
Is it,
1. If they are signing up or not.
2. If their application will be approved if they have already applied.

If they've not signed then the practice should be told you're moving. Seeing patients leave might give them an impetus.

Alf Veedersane · 19-06-2015 7:26am

lazygal wrote: »

How many times would you be attending? Personally I''ll stick with ours even if it hasn't signed up because I'm happy with it and outside of scheduled and elective vaccines I've only.had one visit so.the cost is minimal. But if my kids were in and out regularly I'd reconsider.

We were in with our little one and the doctor at the end explained that he wasn't registering and why. You could tell it was a decision he wasn't entirely comfortable with, especially as a paediatrician, but overall he felt he couldn't.

We won't be switching to one that does. I'd hope that we won't have to bring the little one too often anyway, but even if we do, I'm happy to pay him. He's always looked after my wife and I to an extent I would never expect of a doctor.

I value the relationship with our doctor. Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

That said, if our practice was the previous one we attended to prior to our current GP, I'd switch in a heartbeat. Any of the doctors I attended in that practice seemed more interest in meeting a quote of patients.

Free Gp scheme for children under 6

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