Laya healthcare has confirmed a review of the benefits it offers to members, with members in Donegal who avail of routine MRIs being impacted.
As of the end of October, routine MRIs are no longer available at Affidea in Letterkenny, with people being directed to Sligo or Ballykelly .
In a statement to Highland Radio, Laya Healthcare says it is now partnering with Alliance Medical for its members’ diagnostic imaging needs.
Members can still access Affidea centres for urgent care and diagnostics, but not on a direct settlement basis. This means they will have to pay up front, then claim back in accordance with their scheme and level of cover.
The statement says members based in Letterkenny can access routine MRI scans on a direct settlement basis in Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West in Ballykelly, and Alliance Medical in Sligo.
Members are being encouraged to check their cover through their personal and secure Member Area.
Statement from Affidea:
Affidea prides itself on improving access to patients in their locality. Since we first opened our clinic in 2016 a huge number of patients have been able to avail of world class diagnostics facilities on their doorstep, where previously they would have to endure a 4 hour round trip to Sligo or have to cross the border into Northern Ireland. Affidea Letterkenny offers direct settlement for MRIs to members of VHI, Irish life Health, Level Health, Garda Medical Aid and POMAS. Laya members can still avail of the MRI service and claim back from their insurer.
We believe in investing locally in both infrastructure and jobs – we currently employ 18 in our Letterkenny clinic and this number is set to increase when we open our new injury unit in Scally place in the New Year. This Minor Injury and Illness Clinic will initially run 5 days per week, 10am to 8pm and will see and treat a wide range of minor injuries and ailments that until now, patients have traditionally been required to attend a local Emergency Department for. The clinic will consist of several treatment bays and patients attending will have access to a wide array of modern diagnostic imaging equipment such as MRI, X-Ray, US and DEXA ensuring patients receive rapid access to the most appropriate diagnostics.
