Free Under 6 GP Care Scheme
Athboy Family Practice
Dear Parent
Below is some important information on the recent changes to GP care for those under 6. Please read carefully, so that you may avail of this new service.
Scheme Outline
This scheme, introduced by the Government and subject to terms and conditions set out by the Health Service Executive, is available to all children aged under 6, permanently living in Ireland.
It commences July 1st 2015 if you have signed up and havebeen accepted by a GP
Please Note: While all children are entitled to free GP Care, it can only be availed of by those who have signed up with, and have been accepted by, a participating GP.
How To Sign Up
Simply log onto www.gpvisitcard.ie
Select Athboy Family Practice or Dr. Valerie Cronin / or Dr. Anthony Ryan.
If you have any queries locall 1890 252 919
What information do I need to register?
– Your Child or Children’s PPS number
– Your PPS number and contact details
Where can I get details of my child’s Personal Public Service (PPS) Number?
When you register your child’s birth the Department of Social Protection writes to you with their PPS Number. If you do not have a PPS number for your child please contact the Client Identity Services, Department of Social Protection, Lo Call 1890 927 999 or email [email protected]
NB:
Once we have been notified by the HSE of your choice of GP, we will endeavour to accept you onto our panel within as short a timeframe as possible.
Do I get a GP Visit Card for my child or children?
Yes, once the registration of your child or children is complete a GP Visit Card for children under 6, will be posted, to the address provided, for each eligible child.
My child’s 6th birthday is in July 2015, should I still register my child?
Yes. All children who have not reached their 6th birthday and who live in Ireland or who intend to live in Ireland for a year, are eligible for service under the GP Visit Card for children under 6 Scheme. If your child’s 6th birthday occurs in July 2015, you should register your child and he/she will be eligible for GP Visit Card for children under 6 until the end of July 2015
What is Covered by the Scheme:
Put simply, all the normal acute medical care needs of your Under 6 child is covered.
Periodic Assessments
At the age of 2 and 5, the child is entitled to a Periodic Assessment. This simply involves the measurement of your child’s weight and height by the Practice. These are quick and simple measurements.
Asthma Assessments
Asthma Assessments are provided for those between 2 and 6 diagnosed with Asthma. This entails a special review 3 months after a new diagnosis, and an Annual Review. Influenza Vaccination is also highly recommended. This will take place in September and early October each year.
What is Not Covered by the Scheme:
While the Under 6 GP scheme covers most routine needs of your child, it doesn’t cover non-medical tasks that have often been carried out by your GP.
While these can still be facilitated, if needed, they will now incur a Fee, even if you are otherwise covered by the Under 6 Free GP Care Scheme.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of items not covered, as suggested by the H.S.E
Travel vaccinations, Paediatric phlebotomy,
Passport / identity reports / letters, Crèche reports,
Utilities reports / letters, Insurance medicals / reports,
School attendance notes / certificates, Sports medicals / reports,
Letters in support of applications for services under the Social Welfare Acts (Housing, Clothing etc)
Will Out of Hours Urgent GP care will be provided?
Yes, out of hours, urgent GP care service will be covered.
What does a Parent do for Out of Hours care?
Where a child needs to be seen outside of normal contracted hours (9am to 5pm) then Athboy Family Practice is a member of the
NEDOC Service. Call 1850 777 911 Located in Our Lady’s Hospital Navan
NEDOC is a QUALITY service, operated and provided by all your local GPs in Co. Meath.
Open Monday to Friday 6pm to 8am and 24 hours a day on Weekends, Bank Holidays, Christmas, New Years etc.
NEDOC is the ONLY out of hours Service we recommend to our patients.
Will I have to pay for medicines prescribed by my GP for my children under 6 years?
The GP Visit Card for children under 6 does not cover the cost of medications prescribed by a GP or hospital charges. If your child has eligibility under the Long Term Illness Scheme, they will receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their long term illness, free of charge. If you don’t have a Medical Card you should apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme Card. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, an individual or family will pay a maximum of €144 each month for their approved drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by them or their family, in that month. The monthly financial threshold is determined by the Minister for Health.
If you have any queries locall 1890 252 919