Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has today welcomed confirmation that the HSE is to make available to GPs increased direct access to diagnostic services from this week. The initiative will give GPs across the country the ability to access an additional 94,000 diagnostic procedures, such as X-Rays, CT scans, MRIs, and DEXA*.

The Minister for Health said:

This new development will have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. It will allow faster access to necessary diagnostic procedures, leading to more timely treatment and improved patient experience.

The new supports will also assist in reducing pressures placed on hospitals and the shortening of waiting lists.

It is anticipated that additional diagnostic services, including direct access to BNP testing, spirometry, and echocardiography, will also be made available to GPs in due course. These services will support GPs in the delivery of improved patient care within the Chronic Disease Management Programme.

Notes:

*DEXA scan – bone density scan.

Provision is being made to increase the ability of GPs to refer patients for necessary diagnostic procedures directly rather than through hospital facilities, as was previously the case.  This is intended to reduce waiting times, waiting lists, and to reduce pressure on the hard-pressed hospital system.

Under the initiative, the HSE will make available over 94,000 diagnostic procedures, to include X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, and DEXA to GPs via private providers/hospitals.  Contracts to provide these services were awarded following a competitive tendering process undertaken by the HSE in late 2020.  The private services providers/hospitals will include Affidea, Alliance, Global Diagnostics, Bons Secours Tralee, and UPMC Whitfield.

The services provided under this initiative will be available nation-wide and through the full year 2021.  A decision on extension into future years will be taken later in 2021.  The cost of the initiative in 2021 is expected to be just under €13 million.  The HSE has also begun the development of work to implement a sustainable community diagnostics service in the medium-term.

In addition to this, the HSE plans to roll-out to GPs access to BNP testing, spirometry, and echocardiography services.  These services are intended to support the delivery of the Chronic Disease Management Programme which has been established under the 2019 GP Agreement.  The Chronic Disease Management Programme will deliver proactive GP care to an estimated 431,000 patients when fully rolled out, allowing them two annual consultations with the GP practice nurse and two consultations with their GP to facilitate management of four conditions (Type 2 Diabetes, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), and cardiovascular disease).  It is anticipated that the Chronic Disease Management Programme will both improve patient care and reduce pressure on hospital services by reducing the need for patient attendance.

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