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Out-of-hours GP service for Kildare and West Wicklow no longer charging for Covid-19 consultations

KDoc had been continuing to charge people for Covid-19 consultations up until last week.

THE OUT-OF-HOURS GP service for Kildare and West Wicklow, KDoc, has confirmed it is no longer charging people who are concerned they have Covid-19 symptoms for phone consultations following reports of such happening. 

It was reported in early August that KDoc had been charging a number of people who were concerned they had symptoms for out-of-hours phone consultations. At the time, the HSE noted that there should be no charge. 

The practice had been continuing as of last week as TheJournal.ie was aware of a number of patients who were charged the fee.

However, the HSE confirmed in a statement to TheJournal.ie last week that KDoc had received funding to provide free Covid-19 consultations. 

Kdoc call agents had been telling patients that there was “confusion” about the issue, but were explaining that “no agreement” was in place between the HSE and the out-of-hours service. 

In March, the HSE reached an agreement with GP representatives to ensure people who were experiencing Covid-19 symptoms could have access to free GP Covid assessments and testing. 

This agreement was extended in June to ensure people could access referral, without charge, on Saturdays and Sundays through GP out-of-hours services.

Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless, who represents Kildare North, raised the issue of KDoc charging patients at the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 on 26 August.

He told the committee that a constituent “presented last Saturday to the only out-of-hours health service available in Kildare, which is called KDoc. Unless patients have a medical card, they have to pay a €50 consultation fee”. 

Lawless said during the Committee was his understanding that there was “an operational agreement yet to be entered into or signed off on”. 

However, the HSE insisted on the same day that KDoc had received funding to provide free Covid-19 consultations. 

On Tuesday, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced a further extension of GP special payments to ensure Covid-19 consultations remain free of charge. 

“It’s very important that cost is not a barrier to anyone seeking testing, so I want to be clear that your telephone consultation with your GP to decide if you should be tested is free,” Donnelly said. 

“The Covid-19 test, as well as any hospital treatment you may need, will also be free,” he said. 

Following a further query from TheJournal.ie this week, KDoc has now confirmed it is not charging any patients for Covid-19 consultations. 

A spokesperson for KDoc said: “I can confirm that as per instruction of our CEO and in line with new funding agreements with HSE, as of 1 September 2020, KDoc is not charging any patient (medical card holder or private) for consultations relating to the referral of patients for Covid testing.” 

A study published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) last week found that 44% of people in Ireland don’t know that calling their GP to discuss Covid-19 symptoms is free. 

Over one third of people (36%) think they could be charged for a Covid-19 test. 

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11 Comments
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    Mute InvaderSkoodge
    Favourite InvaderSkoodge
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    Sep 4th 2020, 6:37 AM

    Great! Refunds all around for those that did pay when they didn’t have to……right?

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    Mute profile
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    Sep 4th 2020, 6:37 AM

    News flash…my GP in Saggart charged me €70 for a visit to see him, this week

    45
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    Mute Shane McGrath
    Favourite Shane McGrath
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    Sep 4th 2020, 7:19 AM

    @profile: you need a new doctor.

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    Mute Stan Linehan
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    Sep 4th 2020, 11:18 AM

    @profile: we pay more tax than gb but they get. Free nhs pay no vrt . We pay the same tax rates as Sweden but get far less in return .

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    Mute Ashling White
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    Sep 4th 2020, 7:10 AM

    I know someone charged on Monday, wanting to make two appointments was advised would have to hang up and ring through second time and make another €50 payment for have child tested.

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    Mute Shane McGrath
    Favourite Shane McGrath
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    Sep 4th 2020, 7:21 AM

    @Ashling White: rip-off republic strikes again

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    Mute Stasia Morley
    Favourite Stasia Morley
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    Sep 4th 2020, 7:27 AM

    It should be free for all counties not just a few

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    Mute Willie Murphy
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    Sep 4th 2020, 7:39 AM

    @Stasia Morley: It’s supposed to be for ALL practices Stasia. Free if you ring for a covid related issue & get a referral for a test. I presume if you add in extra issues (while I’m here sure, I also have a problem with my…..) then you’ll probably get charged. Covid related issues are supposed to be free though.

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    Mute Oisín Dunne
    Favourite Oisín Dunne
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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:10 AM

    @Stasia Morley: it is free for all counties and all walks of life. The issue was related to our of hours services. If your service is still charging, contact your TD’s and get them to sort it.

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    Mute Úna O Connor Barrett
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    Sep 4th 2020, 10:34 AM

    Gravy train

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    Mute Michael Reilly
    Favourite Michael Reilly
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    Sep 4th 2020, 2:53 PM

    @Úna O Connor Barrett: Large sign on the Ballysimon Road in Limerick ” Walk in GP service €30.” How long will the vested interests and medical greed allow this?

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