Some GPs treating medical card patients end up receiving only 80 cent per visit.
GPs are criticising the release of GMS payment figures revealing the HSE paid €540 million last year to general practices.
They say the figures fail to take into account the costs incurred by doctors paying overheads for staff and general clinic running costs.
The National Association of General Practitioner’s Chief Executive Chris Goody says many patients attend their GP 50 times a year – the total payment to the GP for an entire year can be as low as €42
The average is 6 or 7 visits per year for medical card patients.
