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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

in not wanting to pay?

19 replies

BumWiper · 23/04/2011 10:54

i live in Ireland so therefore pay ?50 per visit to the doctor.i brought my dd last friday (a week ago) because of a persistant cough.she got an antibiotic but it dosent seem to have done anything,cough is sounding worse.so i have to bring her again on tuesday.
WIBU to not want to pay for another visit?i mean if you got a plumber out to fix a leak but the pipe was still leaking a week later would you pay again for a service that should have been provided already?
if i pay it will have been ?100 on doctor,?13 on first dose of antibiotics,?13 on second dose.

OP posts:
jumpingjackhash · 23/04/2011 10:57

I see your frustration, but I don't think you can equate clearing up a health problem to fixing a leak, so yabu.

ItsCHEEKYTime · 23/04/2011 10:59

How on earth do you afford that????? So to make an appointment at the Drs you have to have £50(euros) to see a dr and pay there and then?

If that was here i would be dead by now, i cant afford £50 for some bunk beds that we have been given (pay when we have it) nevermind going to the Drs.

No YANBU

Violethill · 23/04/2011 10:59

Depends on whether the doctor has actually been negligent though. I have sometimes paid for prescriptions, only to find they haven't resolved the problem, and I've subsequently needed a different prescription. Medicine isn't an exact science though, so for all I know, the doctor made the best decision at the time on the basis if the symptoms

Hacks me off too though that prescription medicines and dental treatment costs an arm and a leg

LIZS · 23/04/2011 11:01

Most coughs are viral anyway but presumably ab's were in case of any underlying infection. Unless you think she has a chest infection , which I think would be self evident in other ways by now (temperature, breathing, sickness), then it probably isn't worth another visit.

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:02

you just kind of have to afford it.luckily we dont need the doctor that often.but i remember needing to go to A&E and that was ?100 plus ?60 (approx) on a prescription.

yes you pay at the reception on the way out of GP's.

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WinterOfOurDiscountTents · 23/04/2011 11:02

You can ask. Plenty of doctors here either don't charge for a 2nd visit within a certain time or a reduced rate, I think mine is ?25 if you have to go back for the same thing?

jumpingjackhash · 23/04/2011 11:03

Re. the paying per visit, I take it your taxes don't cover medical care? (unfamiliar with the system in Ireland, so apologies if stupid question!).

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:05

i questioned the antibiotics at the time and i was told that they would clear it up.

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Selks · 23/04/2011 11:06

Wow. I'm so ignorant. I just assumed that Ireland had some kind of free-at-point-of-need health service like the NHS. Is it all privatised?

In response to your question, I would hope that any follow up appointment would be a reduced charge, at least. Particularly if the first course of treatment had not worked.

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:06

jumpingjackhash no they dont.its used to bail out the bankers but thats a personal gripe.

no discount normally for repeat visits.

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FiteFuaite · 23/04/2011 11:07

My doctor won't charge again if the second visit is related to the first one,iyswim. Is it not the same with your doctor,BumWiper?

I would mention it to the receptionist for sure,I always have and have never had to pay.As long as the visit is within a couple of weeks,tho.

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:09

there are medical cards (which cover gp's,prescriptions etc) for lower earners or those on social welfare.then there are gp visit cards (which cover the cost of gp visit) which we earn almost ?7 too much to qualify for.

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jumpingjackhash · 23/04/2011 11:09

In that case, I think yadnbu to want to pay twice! Especially for a child.

Out of interest, what would happen if you went to the appointment then refused to pay (as you pay on your way out)?

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:10

no such luck here FiteFuaite,and it is the only gp surgery in the village.grrrrrr

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Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:12

jumpingjackhash i have no idea,i have never done it.
forgot to pay once and got a bill two days later in the door.

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Monisey · 23/04/2011 11:14

My doctor would charge a reduced rate if I was returning with the same complaint, I'm in Ireland also.

FiteFuaite · 23/04/2011 11:14

I really would say something,you know,even just to check you have to pay the full amount. I have no shame in asking for a discount,lol!

insertfunnynicknamehere · 23/04/2011 11:23

My doc only charged 25 euro on a second visit if its within a week or so of the inital visit. Also don't forget to claim back the tax if you have spent over euro 125 on doctors or medicine this year.
I have a medical card as I have a lonmg term illness but I feel your pain. Is there anyway one of ye can cut your hours at work by 1 or 2 so ye are brought under the threshold?at the very least you should be entitled to a gp visit card so?
If our new government actually delivers on their promise (likely?) Then our health service will be much improved like the danish model its based on. Until then I don't know maybe brimg it up with the doc?
I hope she feels better soon

Original poster
BumWiper · 23/04/2011 11:28

im on mat leave atm (state pay only) and dh cant cut hours as he is the only one working in his office as the other is out sick.

im doubtful over the new governments plans as the health service is in such a terrible state that it will take years to mop up mary harneys mess.

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