DONEGAL Deputy Thomas Pringle has urged people to become whistleblowers on any doctors who illegally charge patients for blood tests.
Mr Pringle told donegaldaily that patients should question the charges – and if they’re not happy, to report their GPs.
Said the independent politician: “I have been contacted by my constituents informing me they have been charged for blood tests by their doctor.
“I would like to clarify under the General Medical Services contract GPs should be providing blood tests when it forms part of the clinical investigation and necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
“I suggest if any patient is being charged by their GP’s within the criteria can and should make a complaint to the HSE Consumer Services Officer at 074 9189016.”
