What does the new GP deal mean for patients?
About 270,000 children under the age of six will have a right to free GP care. About 36,000 people over 70 who do not already qualify will also receive free family doctor services. Patients with type II diabetes who are covered by medical cards or GP-visit cards will receive a new “cycle of care”.
When will the new arrangements come into effect?
The Government hopes the free GP care scheme for children under six will come into operation in early July. Subject to legislation being passed, the same time scale is earmarked for the over-70s arrangement. It will be towards the end of the year before the service for patients with diabetes is put in place.
What will be covered for children under six?
They will be entitled to free GP consultations but not the cost of prescribed drugs. The scheme will also involve age-based checks focused on health and wellbeing and the prevention of disease. These assessments will be carried out when a child is aged two and again at age five, in line with an agreed protocol. The contract will also include an agreed cycle of care for children diagnosed with asthma, under which GPs will carry out an annual review of each child.
What will be provided under the diabetes cycle of care?
It is estimated that there are 80,000 patients with diabetes in the GMS system. Under the new arrangements, patients with type II diabetes will be able to avail of two annual visits to their GP practice for a structured review of their condition.
The two consultations will include blood results, urinalysis, preventive lifestyle review (smoking, alcohol, exercise), medication review, symptomatic foot review and referral to podiatry and retina screening programmes, body mass index and blood pressure. The annual review visit will be more comprehensive then the second visit.
Will every GP be participating in the new schemes?
GPs providing services to the State are independent contractors, not employees. It will be up to each doctor individually to decide whether they sign up for the new arrangements. What happens if my GP decides not to take part?
The patients of GPs who decide not to participate in the new arrangements may have to move to another practice if they wish to avail of the free care. If they opt to remain with a non-participating doctor, they will continue to be seen as private patients and have to pay fees.
