Consultant Investigated for Demanding One4all Vouchers for Surgery

A complaint against a medical consultant in Dublin has prompted an investigation by the Medical Council after the doctor allegedly required a patient to pay for surgery using One4all vouchers. These vouchers, a popular multi-store gift card in Ireland, were demanded as a condition for receiving treatment, raising serious ethical concerns within the medical community.

According to reports, the incident occurred in July 2022, when the patient was preparing for facial surgery. The individual, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed shock at the request for payment in the form of gift vouchers, which she believed contradicted her expectations regarding coverage by her private health insurance. She recounted her experience, stating, “When I told people I had been asked for One4all vouchers a week before I was to have surgery, they didn’t quite believe me.”

The consultant allegedly instructed the patient to acquire €250 in vouchers, specifying that they should be in two separate amounts to cover equipment costs. This unusual demand led the patient to feel anxious about her upcoming surgery. “I was horrified – my heart sank. I thought it was eccentric. I thought it was unprofessional,” she recalled.

In addition to the payment controversy, the patient claims that the consultant failed to order necessary scans and X-rays, which she believes could have prevented her condition from worsening. Following the surgery, she developed a serious infection that further complicated her recovery.

The Medical Council confirmed that the case was presented to its Preliminary Proceedings Committee last month. Although the Council cannot comment on specific complaints, it has reiterated the importance of maintaining trust between medical practitioners and their patients. A spokesperson stated, “Section 50 of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners states the fees you charge should be appropriate to the services you provide.”

As the investigation unfolds, the patient has urged others in similar situations not to feel embarrassed about questioning unusual payment requests. She stated, “The day I was asked for these vouchers, I should have left the doctor’s office and not gone back. My advice is that any [medic] who asks you for vouchers does not have your best interests at heart.”

This incident is not isolated. Earlier this year, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) reported receiving multiple complaints regarding private patients being charged for treatments that should be covered by their health insurance. Specifically, eight contacts were logged related to unexpected charges for medical services.

The situation reflects a broader concern about transparency and ethical practices in private healthcare. In another case, a patient diagnosed with cancer reported being charged €1,500 for non-existent treatments, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight in the industry.

As investigations continue, the implications of this case may lead to a reevaluation of payment practices in private healthcare settings, with a focus on safeguarding patient rights and ensuring ethical standards are upheld.