A survey commissioned by the Department of Health indicates private patients now pay fees of between €36 and €50 for each visit to a family doctor.
It shows major variations in the fees charged by doctors in urban and rural areas and that private patients visit their GP much less often than medical card patients.
The Irish Medical Organisation, which represents GPs, has warned that over 250,000 people could not afford basic medical care and called for medical card eligibility limits to be reviewed.
However, the Consumers' Association of Ireland expressed surprise at the figures and what it said was the 'low' average consultation fee.
