Dublin patients risk being removed from HSE waiting lists through no fault of their own.
That's according to the Irish Medical Organisation which has accused the health service of manipulating the lists.
GPs say the health service is writing to patients asking if they still want treatment recommended by their doctor.
If they fail to reply within 10 days, they risk being removed.
Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation GP Committee, Pádraig McGarry, says there are various reasons why people can't reply on time. He says people might be away, have moved house or have literacy problems.
The IMO has called on the HSE to change the system.
