Can Doctors charge for routine Blood Tests ??

Dingle_berry · 05-01-2018 7:45pm

catmack wrote: »

What is the update on this issue, just went today to my GP and a sign up 10 euros for routine bloodwork with medical card. I did not say anything to them. HSE says GP can't charge, what is the deal here.

GP can't charge for the testing of blood because the HSE provides that for free. GP can charge for their time and skill in taking & interpreting. Not sure what medical card contracts say about it though

Jellybaby1 · 05-01-2018 8:35pm

My GP always used to send me to the hospital for bloods. I was never charged for these but always paid my GP's fee in the first place, and then again when I went back to him for the results, €60 each time. Then one day he said I should get the bloods taken in his surgery, they would cost 'only' €30. When I said why would I pay €30 when I usually get it free in the hospital he said its much quicker. I didn't bite that but my husband did a few months later, paid the GP €60, then €30 for the bloods to be taken, still had to wait more than 2 weeks for the results to come back from the same hospital, went back to the GP, another €60. When I questioned this with the GP it turns out they just take the bloods and send them into the same hospital. The GP's staff do not do any testing. Why on earth would I pay them to take the bloods? Its free at the hospital! I am happy to pay my GP for any treatment and consultation but not for a blood test he does not do.

Fred Swanson · 05-01-2018 8:54pm

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Martina1991 · 05-01-2018 9:00pm

Jellybaby1 wrote:

I didn't bite that but my husband did a few months later, paid the GP â‚¬60, then â‚¬30 for the bloods to be taken, still had to wait more than 2 weeks for the results to come back from the same hospital, went back to the GP, another â‚¬60.

I think that's crazy expensive.
My gp charged me â‚¬25 for just having routine bloods taken. I wasn't in for any particular ailment. Getting the results was free.

I would find a new doctor if I was you

Corca Baiscinn · 05-01-2018 9:03pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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+1, I'm never charged for results tho' usually get over phone. Don't think they'd charge tho' even if called me in to discuss. That's having paid for the blood test.

There is a notice in Reception from the College of General Practitioners outlining a long ist of services which incur a fee even for Medical Card holders. It includes school notes, fitness to work notes etc.

Many practices employ a nurse to amongst other things take bloods so it stands to reason that there would be a charge for the service but a GP level charge to get results is ott

Sleeper12 · 05-01-2018 9:24pm

My GP only started talking blood in the surgery about 10 years ago. Before that he'd send you to Beaumont Hospital. Now two do come in at 8am every Tuesday to take blood. The fee is 30 euro they take bloods till 9:30am. Both doctors are flat out for the 90 minutes. Most people seem more than happy to pay the 30 euro rather than go to the hospital. I think it is value for money in the time it saves me

r93kaey5p2izun · 05-01-2018 9:48pm

A relative of mine (over 70s medical card) is changing GPs at the moment due to his regular GP no longer being allowed take medical card patients as he recently turned 71 himself. The new practice gave him an information leaflet with a list of things not covered by medical card. Routine (non urgent) blood tests are not covered according to the list and there will be a charge of €20 or you go to the hospital clinic for free.

However it also says chronic disease management is not covered and he's quite concerned about this!

catmack · 05-01-2018 10:22pm

Thanks so much, which brings me to ask, if the hospital provides test for free, who reads and interprets it,??

Fred Swanson · 05-01-2018 10:30pm

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catmack · 05-01-2018 10:35pm

So I wonder if he then charges you to interpret the results?

Martina1991 · 05-01-2018 10:36pm

catmack wrote:

Thanks so much, which brings me to ask, if the hospital provides test for free, who reads and interprets it,??

The analysis of blood samples is performed by Medical Scientists in the hospital labs. The results are sent back to the GP electronically and via post. The doctor then interprets them and makes decisions based on those results.

coylemj · 05-01-2018 11:23pm

catmack wrote: »

Thanks so much, which brings me to ask, if the hospital provides test for free, who reads and interprets it,??

Over the past few years I have seen printouts of blood test from St. Vincents and St. James. What you get is a list of your results with a number for each indicator they were asked to test and beside each one it shows the recommended range. There will be an asterisk (or two or three) beside any number that's outside the range for your gender and age.

It's then up to your GP to interpret the data.

Corruptedmorals · 05-01-2018 11:35pm

I file blood results in my job, other than results being highlighted etc. there is often analysis included on more complex/rarer tests especially if they are of a serious nature. i.e ranges differing in certain circumstances, borderline results, difficult to confirm results, correlation recommended. They flag extreme results immediately too. But yes in general they provide the numbers and ranges and it's up to the referring doctor to go from there.

My GP charges I think €15/20 as a standalone fee. I have found I often don't get charged for bloods extra if they're taken as part of a long consultation. I don't have an issue with the charge as it makes sense in terms of courier usage and time taken to interpret results and ring me. There's always the option to get the forms and go directly to the hospital.

AndrewJRenko · 06-01-2018 9:58am

Last time I got my bloods taken at the hospital, my GP asked if I was OK to get the results by text. I can't quite remember what happened, but I presume he sent a text to confirm that everything was OK, so no need for further consultation.

my3cents · 06-01-2018 12:43pm

One small (obvious) point I'd make about blood tests is that some people think because their blood tests are OK there is nothing wrong with them. That is mostly true however if you are clear on all the blood tests all you can say for sure is that you don't have anything that you have been tested for.

A flaw in the system is that because the actual laboratory testing is free, doctors tend to cover themselves by firing off blood tests for the slightest reason however my feeling is that as a result some doctors do slightly less investigative work themselves so can miss symptoms of illnesses that aren't diagnosed by the std blood tests.

If you think something is wrong and all the blood tests are OK then get back to the doctor.

Martina1991 · 06-01-2018 12:57pm

my3cents wrote:

One small (obvious) point I'd make about blood tests is that some people think because their blood tests are OK there is nothing wrong with them. That is mostly true however if you are clear on all the blood tests all you can say for sure is that you don't have anything that you have been tested for.

Agreed. It depends what tests are requested by the GP.

Disease can't be detected if the correct tests aren't requested.

But I would guess that many people don't know what tests are being requested and why.

AndrewJRenko · 06-01-2018 5:22pm

my3cents wrote: »

my feeling is that as a result some doctors do slightly less investigative work themselves so can miss symptoms of illnesses that aren't diagnosed by the std blood tests.

Just to clarify in this context, by 'std' you meant 'standard' - and not any other variation of std?

my3cents · 06-01-2018 5:44pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Just to clarify in this context, by 'std' you meant 'standard' - and not any other variation of std?

Apologies I've gotten into the bad habit of writing a couple of words I use a lot as abbreviations std, txt and msg being the main offenders.

If I meant STD's I would have used capitol letters as I would with any TLA.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 11:49am

Im a type two diabetic and for two and a half years got them for free

Moved surgery and told they wanted 20 and attitude of lucky not 40 if no medical card

Then I seen you can get the same place to request one and get it free in hospital :rolleyes:

Then I seen some piece on quick google about claiming it back

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 2:15pm

jeffk wrote: »

Im a type two diabetic and for two and a half years got them for free

Moved surgery and told they wanted 20 and attitude of lucky not 40 if no medical card

Then I seen you can get the same place to request one and get it free in hospital :rolleyes:

Then I seen some piece on quick google about claiming it back

If you want to get it done in a hospital be prepared for a long wait. My mother often waits up to 4 weeks just for an appointment to take blood. less hassle just to pay the gp to do it.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 2:16pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

If you want to get it done in a hospital be prepared for a long wait. My mother often waits up to 4 weeks just for an appointment to take blood. less hassle just to pay the gp to do it.

It's only twice a year, so if I'd get into routine of knowing I've to book in advance

That or go back to my other doctor I suppose (if or when I can)

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 2:19pm

jeffk wrote: »

It's only twice a year, so if I'd get into routine of knowing I've to book in advance

That or go back to my other doctor I suppose (if or when I can)

If the blood test request comes from your endo then you can probably rock up to the phlebotomy clinic and take a number. I know because i do this when i need bloods done for my endo appointment.

AndrewJRenko · 04-12-2019 2:31pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

If you want to get it done in a hospital be prepared for a long wait. My mother often waits up to 4 weeks just for an appointment to take blood. less hassle just to pay the gp to do it.

I'm not sure what hospital your mother uses, but St Vincents in Dublin has availability for Fasting Blood Tests next week - very easy to book.

https://www.swiftqueue.com/timescreen.php?id=10075&rid=49&fasting=true

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 2:32pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I'm not sure what hospital your mother uses, but St Vincents in Dublin has availability for Fasting Blood Tests next week - very easy to book.

https://www.swiftqueue.com/timescreen.php?id=10075&rid=49&fasting=true

beaumont. The next available is Dec 27th.

AndrewJRenko · 04-12-2019 3:44pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

beaumont. The next available is Dec 27th.

So that's three weeks, including Christmas week

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 3:46pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

So that's three weeks, including Christmas week

i said up to 4 weeks. what is the problem?

corks finest · 04-12-2019 4:01pm

Garp242 wrote: »

Can Doctors charge for routine Blood Tests ??

Recently a notice went up in my doctors waiting room, stating that in future there will be a charge for Blood Tests - "Private Patients - €20, Medical Card Holders - €15"... In the past, there was no charge for this service.

But the HSE website states that ... "Routine blood tests where the service is part of the investigation and necessary treatment of your symptoms or condition" ... are free of charge.

So ... Are Doctors allowed to charge for this service ??

Like this at my doctors for at least 3 years

AndrewJRenko · 04-12-2019 4:37pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

i said up to 4 weeks. what is the problem?

The problem is exaggerating a minor issue.

If it suits someone to pay extra in their GPs surgery, then good for them.

But it is worth reminding people that the free service is available at major hospitals with very little delays.

In my experience, the phlebotomists at St Vincents are top class, and get a vein first time every time, something others who aren't doing this all day every day can struggle with.

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 4:47pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

The problem is exaggerating a minor issue.

If it suits someone to pay extra in their GPs surgery, then good for them.

But it is worth reminding people that the free service is available at major hospitals with very little delays.

In my experience, the phlebotomists at St Vincents are top class, and get a vein first time every time, something others who aren't doing this all day every day can struggle with.

3+ weeks is not a "very little delay". we dont all live next to vincents.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 4:53pm

Surely if you're like myself and know there's a delay you can plan

Even put reminder in your calendar with alert three to four weeks before you usually get the test

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 4:56pm

jeffk wrote: »

Surely if you're like myself and know there's a delay you can plan

Even put reminder in your calendar with alert three to four weeks before you usually get the test

like i said this does not affect me. It does affect my mother who does not require regular blood tests so cannot plan in that way.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 4:58pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

like i said this does not affect me. It does affect my mother who does not require regular blood tests so cannot plan in that way.

I mean people in general

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 4:59pm

jeffk wrote: »

I mean people in general

In general people do not require regular blood tests. they go to their gp with a complaint, the gp tells them they need bloods taken so they either pay the GP to do it (or more likely a nurse) or they wait until they can get an appointment.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 5:00pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

In general people do not require regular blood tests. they go to their gp with a complaint, the gp tells them they need bloods taken so they either pay the GP to do it (or more likely a nurse) or they wait until they can get an appointment.

You may want to check how many diabetics there are and make you rethink that

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 5:02pm

jeffk wrote: »

You may want to check how many diabetics there are and make you rethink that

I have a good idea thanks, i am one myself. still a minority of the population.

jeffk · 04-12-2019 5:04pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

I have a good idea thanks, i am one myself. still a minority of the population.

Then why are they pushing to have people deal with it via their GP rather than the local diabetic clinic?

They can't handle the numbers

04-12-2019 5:07pm

I’d rather pay and have my gp do the test than wait for an appointment, go the hospital a few weeks later and get it free.

Normally if I’m getting tests, I want the results quickly and put the worry to bed.

ohnonotgmail · 04-12-2019 5:10pm

jeffk wrote: »

Then why are they pushing to have people deal with it via their GP rather than the local diabetic clinic?

They can't handle the numbers

I'm making a general point about people being forced to pay for blood tests. And i have never been pushed to deal with it via my GP. and any overcrowding at diabetic clinics is blood test related as the clinics dont do blood tests any way. or at least mine doesnt.

jeffk · 09-12-2019 1:59pm

Got my letter, 31st January for blood test

Should have remembered in Ireland if you wanted medical things done fast then cough up money

AndrewJRenko · 09-12-2019 2:34pm

jeffk wrote: »

Got my letter, 31st January for blood test

Should have remembered in Ireland if you wanted medical things done fast then cough up money

Which hospital is this?

jeffk · 09-12-2019 2:40pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Which hospital is this?

Blanchardstown

AndrewJRenko · 09-12-2019 2:48pm

jeffk wrote: »

Blanchardstown

Can't you use the walk-in clinic?

Connolly Hospital Phlebotomy (phone between 10-12) 01 6465365 Walk in Clinic for Outpatient patients 8.30-11.15 Monday to Friday

jeffk · 09-12-2019 2:50pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Can't you use the walk-in clinic?

I'm not sure

I got the brother to go in with envelope and said I was outside to be told no, drop it into post box

I'll try ringing thanks

thomasdylan · 09-12-2019 2:59pm

jeffk wrote: »

You may want to check how many diabetics there are and make you rethink that

But those regular blood tests for diabetics aren't urgent. Book early, get done before next clinic.

jeffk · 09-12-2019 3:02pm

thomasdylan wrote: »

But those regular blood tests for diabetics aren't urgent. Book early, get done before next clinic.

Mine was/is due in December then again in June

Should have paid the E20 and moved doctor or hope to move doctor before June

r93kaey5p2izun · 09-12-2019 5:27pm

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Can't you use the walk-in clinic?

Outpatient means the bloods are ordered by a consultant - it's not for patients sent by a GP.

jeffk · 09-12-2019 5:28pm

Emma Mysterious Visitor wrote: »

Outpatient means the bloods are ordered by a consultant - it's not for patients sent by a GP.

So what happens if the patent says they need a blood test as are a Diabetic and do it every 6 months

ohnonotgmail · 09-12-2019 5:32pm

jeffk wrote: »

So what happens if the patent says they need a blood test as are a Diabetic and do it every 6 months

they should have a blood test request form from their consultant. Every time i finish an appointment with mine i am handed the blood test form for the next appointment.

jeffk · 09-12-2019 5:34pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

they should have a blood test request form from their consultant. Every time i finish an appointment with mine i am handed the blood test form for the next appointment.

I never got that in old doctor, just use to ring up nearer the time and book an appointment and went in and was handed envelope or was in with nurse/doctor

Ill try ringing tomorrow and explain I need it within in the month, cant but try

r93kaey5p2izun · 09-12-2019 5:46pm

I don't know about Blanchardstown specifically, but in other Dublin hospitals your consultant orders your bloods on the computer system. You show up at the walk-in Outpatient bloods clinic, and the phlebotomist checks your hospital number and sees what was ordered. Just randomly turning up would mean no bloods ordered and so no test could be done. You would be directed to make an appointment for the gp bloods service through the booking system.

If your GP is looking for the bloods they hand you the paper order form, you make an appointment using the online booking system and when you arrive the phlebotomist carries out the tests according to the gp form.

If you are seeing a consultant even once a year, they can have the bloods ordered on the outpatient system months in advance, but many diabetics seem to be managed by their gp.

I'm surprised at the lengthy wait. I and several family members are often sent for bloods by gp, and have never had to wait longer than 10 days for St James'.

Can Doctors charge for routine Blood Tests ??

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