Although patients may be sensitive to price, many GPs feel the doctor/patient relationship is more important as a measure of the service.
Consequently, they are not concerned about the issue of displaying prices.
Dr Gerald Wheeler in Ennistymon, Co Clare, says patient loyalty is built up over years. "Patients by and large like to go to someone they trust. I cannot imagine if you put up a notice saying 'Bargain prices here' you will be swamped with patients."
Dr Brian Coffey, in Cathedral Road, Cork, says people will not go to a doctor they do not know. "It is crazy to go from the good doctor they know to a doctor who is charging less. It is not like buying a can of beans."
Dr Richard Cotter in Oughterard, Co Galway, is retired but continues to see some patients privately. He normally charges €30 per consultation but says costs can vary.
"I do not know would Mary Harney accept that there could be a difference depending on length of consultation or procedures carried out during consultation. That would be the only caveat I would have about it."
Dr Michael Henry of the Kelly, Henry Partnership in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, regards the standard consultation fee charged of €35 as low. "For overheads and staff and time, we should be charging more. It is a basic consultation fee and, depending on what needs to be done, like in any other sort of service, the charge goes up."
Dr Finola Malone, in Dooradoyle, Limerick, says the consultation price charged depends on whether the patient has visited before. "Often we do not charge at all if it is a second visit - it is discretionary. It depends on whether there is a family or an individual."
Meanwhile, Mr Stephen McMahon, of the Irish Patients Association, says people should not be afraid to switch GPs if they feel the service is not for them.
"While I have met many GPs who give excellent and consistent service to their patients, there are always a few who will profiteer. So if your GP is increasing his charges on a regular basis, raise the issue with him - ask him why? Not all GPs charge for a second quick visit just to see how you are doing with a drug, or just to see how you are, and not all GPs charge for taking blood. So if you are really unhappy, change."