28/04/2015

HSE Publishes GP Contract For Children's Free Healthcare

The GP contract document for the provision of free care for children under 6, has been published by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

A copy of the new contract document, which provides detailed information on the terms and conditions, will now be sent to 2,400 GPs who hold GMS contracts inviting them to participate in the new under 6’s GP care service and to sign the contract.

It will also be open to any qualified GP who does not currently hold a GMS contract to apply.

GPs are independent contractors and it will be up to each doctor individually to decide whether they sign up for or opt out of this new arrangement.

In addition to providing GP care for all under 6’s the new contract  will also include the provision of periodic wellness checks for children once at age two and once at age five, which are focused on health and wellbeing and disease prevention.

GPs will be required to maintain a register of Child Patients aged under 6 years with a diagnosis of Asthma and provide services to such Child Patients in accordance with the agreed cycle of Care. 

The HSE will request GPs to return signed contracts as soon as possible to facilitate the prompt roll out of the next step in the process including the registration of the under 6’s by their parents/guardians in early June.

(MH/CD)

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