263. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Health for clarification regarding the policy or administrative basis for excluding pelvic gynaecological MRI scans from GP visit card coverage; whether this exclusion is consistent with Sláintecare’s commitment to universal, equitable access to healthcare; whether her Department or the HSE has assessed the financial and clinical impact of this exclusion on GP visit card holders; and the steps that will be taken to remove this inequity and ensure equal access to essential diagnostic imaging. [38087/26]

The GP Access to Community Diagnostics Scheme (GPACD) is available for referrals by GPs to the full adult population, aged 16 years and over, delivering community-based radiology scans through contracted private providers. This scheme provides GPs with access to a defined list or scope of examinations, with the clinical examination scope reviewed and updated to ensure and maintain the delivery of an effective service, aligned with community needs and with growing demand.

During the most recent examination scope, a clinical team assessed and reviewed the types of diagnostic examinations provided, and those examinations deemed most suitable or clinically appropriate for community follow-up, and/or management within General Practice, were prioritised for inclusion.

Examinations where community follow-up and/or management within General Practice is not the most appropriate pathway are excluded from the GPACD Scheme, for example cancer care or other conditions where management is more appropriate through clinical teams in a hospital setting.

This process was developed to ensure that these tailored diagnostic pathways meet community clinician and patient requirements, whilst optimising healthcare resources. For the reasons outlined, not all MRI examination types are available through the GPACD scheme, including MRI Pelvic Gynae scans.

Referrals for scan types not included in the GPACD scheme can still be made by a General Practitioner to other healthcare providers, such as those in public hospitals.