Patients put quality before fees when picking GPs

PATIENTS who pay to see their family doctor are not put off by cost but visit their GP less often than medical card holders, a survey has found.

A Department of Health study of private practice charges found just 4% of patients' rate fees as the first issue to influence them in opting for a particular family doctor.

It quoted the average GP fee per private consultation at just under €36, a figure disputed by Consumer Association chief executive Dermott Jewell.