IMO warns on blood test fees

MORE medical card patients will be charged for routine blood tests as an increasing number of GPs struggle to keep their clinics open, the Irish Medical Organisation has warned.

According to the IMO, routine blood tests are not covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) contract — the agreement between the state and GPs.

Last month, Health Minister James Reilly said blood tests should be provided free of charge to medical and GP visit card holders if they form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients’ symptoms or conditions.