Talks aimed at expediting the introduction of 200,000 doctor-only medical cards are taking place at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) today.
Last month, GPs voted unanimously to accept LRC proposals aimed at ending a dispute over the introduction of the cards.
The LRC recommended doctors get once-off payments worth more than €7 million for signing up 200,000 people due to get the new cards, which were promised by the Minister for Health Mary Harney in last November's Estimates.
The cards will cover the cost of doctor visits only.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said this morning the LRC called the talks after the Health Service Executive Employers Agency sought clarification on a number of issues.
It is understood hese include whether or not patients who receive a doctor-only card will be entitled to a full medical card from the age of 70, as is the case at present.
Doctors have also said that if the percentage of people covered by the medical card system rises above 40 per cent, a full governmental review of the scheme must be implemented.