Information for Patients
Our new locum virtual services
When the going gets tough..
There is no doubt the NZ healthcare system is under considerable pressure – a GP shortage is making access to health care for our patients challenging. GP practices have been forced to think outside the box to create more resource to address this shortfall. Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Prescribers are making a huge difference.
When our GPs go on leave it puts pressure on our already constrained resources. We are working with a locum agency who provide remote support by providing video consultations with a “twist”.
What’s the twist?
You still come into the practice for your video consultation, as the locums work from anywhere in NZ.
You make an appointment by calling us on 04 293 6005. You will come to the practice as usual. Prior to the appointment our clinical team will determine if any blood tests or other information such as a blood pressure or heart rate check, etc, is needed for your consultation. This may require you to come to the practice 10 minutes prior to your appointment. One of our team will the escort you through to a consultation room where a NZ registered GP will be waiting to consult with you across video. The GP will be using our practice management software and will have your complete medical history and notes available, so there is no need to worry that you need to spend time giving the GP your medical background.
Why at the practice?
- Having observations like blood pressure and heart rate checks done before the consultation will give the GP a clearer picture of your physical health;
- If the GP feels you need further investigations that can be done in the clinic, these can be arranged while you are still here;
- If your health suddenly declines then our clinical team are here to help; and
- You will be using our computers, which are set up for video consultations, so technology becomes much less of a barrier.
What is NOT suitable for video consultation?
We recognise that not all medical concerns can be managed by video consultation. Below is a list of conditions that are NOT suitable for consultation by video:
- If a physical examination is required
- Breathlessness or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- If you’re bleeding or have a deep wounds
- Burns
- Serious mental health symptoms, mental health crisis or if you’re suicidal
- Persistent vomiting
- If you’re coughing up blood
- Abdominal pain
- If you’re unable to control bowel movements or urination
- Severe headache or giddiness
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or slurred speech
- Fainting spells,
- Suspected broken bones or dislocations
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden allergic reaction
- Poisoning
- Traumatic head injury
What is the cost of a video consultation?
The cost for these appointments will be the same as a usual GP consultation. Should you require further testing while at the clinic (eg ECG) additional charges will apply. There is no charge for the clinical assessment prior to your consultation (if required).
Prescription Fees
Click here to see our fees
Cancelling or non-attendance of booked appointments
We understand that unplanned issues can come up and you may need to cancel an appointment. If that happens, we respectfully ask for scheduled appointments, where possible, to be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
Our doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses want to be available for your needs and the needs of all of our patients. In fact, we run waitlists for each of our doctors, who can take up appointments at short notice. When a patient does not show up for a scheduled appointment, another patient loses an opportunity to be seen.
Calling to tell us you cannot come to an appointment is absolutely acceptable and comes with no penalties. However, we do charge a standard consultation fee to patients who just do not turn up. Of course, prior to this we do a wellness check to make sure you do not need urgent (ambulatory) care, and of course we understand that sometimes patients just forget their appointment. We do send reminders 24 hours prior to the appointment (by text) and if you on MyIndici, our patient portal, you can see your appointments there.
If you have any concerns regarding this matter, please make contact with our Office Manager, by calling 04 2936005 and enter extension 2840 when prompted, or by email: office@waikanaehealth.co.nz (between 9am and 5pm).
What you need to know about ACC Claims
While ACC subsidise some of the costs relating to your injury, they do not cover all costs, which is why we charge you a co-payment. This co-payment is the same rate as a non-ACC consultation charge. There are some charges they cover in full for other health providers (eg specialists and some imaging testing eg MRI) but this is dependent upon the other services you require with the treatment and investigation of your injury.
However, if ACC declines your claim, this may result in further costs to you for your medical care while here at Waikanae Health – this is likely to be in the form of additional materials or procedure fees that they will not have covered, although we may already have provided you with this service.
How will you know if the claim is declined?
ACC will send you a letter, and they will also notify us, at which time we will be in touch with you to talk this through.
What additional costs can you expect to pay?
As we have now aligned ACC co-payments to the same as other non-ACC consultations, there will be no additional fees relating to the consultations. However, if you have been provided wound dressings and/or materials, depending on the cost of supplies there may be an additional charge.
Waikanae Health is unable to guarantee that your claim will be covered by ACC. If you have any questions please contact ACC direct by calling their helpdesk 0800 101 996 or look at their website acc.co.nz.
Healthcare Home
- Ensuring appointments are available to those most in need; and
- Helping you stay well and not just treating you when you are sick.
Your Privacy
Our practice works with our Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Tu Ora Compass Health (Tu Ora) to support the delivery of health care services to you.
When you enrol with Waikanae Health, you agree to share certain information with Tu Ora and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to establish your eligibility for subsidised health care. When relevant to your subsidy eligibility, information may also be shared with other government agencies such as Immigration NZ and Ministry of Social Development.
Download more information here
Other useful links:
Helpful Downloads
Caring for your wound after minor surgery
When you have a minor surgery at Waikanae Health, we will give you this brochure that contains information on how to care for your wound in the following days after surgery.
Drivers Medical Exam (over 80 years old)
New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) requires renewal of driving licences when we turn 75, 80, and every 2 years thereafter. The information in this brochure is applicable if you are turning 80 years of age, or older.
Drivers Medical Exam (75 years old)
New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) requires renewal of driving licences when we turn 75, 80, and every 2 years thereafter. The information in this brochure is applicable if you are turning 75 years of age.
Steroid Injection Information
This download pack includes information on steroid injections at Waikanae Health and includes a patient questionnaire that is required to be completed prior to your appointment.
Spirometry Testing
This is a brief document with advice for your spirometry test at Waikanae Health.
Third Party Consent
This is a form that will need to be completed if you wish to give Waikanae Health consent to release your medical information to a third party.
Request for Medical Records
This is a form that will need to be completed for you to request your medical records.
Open Disclosure Statement
Open disclosure fosters an open and honest relationship between our patients and our GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Primary Care Practice Assistants (PCPAs), administrators and management.
Your Privacy
Our practice works with our Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Tu Ora Compass Health (Tu Ora) to support the delivery of health care services to you.
MyIndici is an easy, fast, and confidential way for you to keep in touch with us. Managing your health care online gives you the power to stay on top of your health anytime, anywhere.
With MyIndici, you can:
- Book and cancel appointments with your GP
Check your recalls (what health services you are due for)
Order repeat prescriptions
Quickly view your test results, medical history, immunisation history, current medications list and allergies.
Send confidential, non-urgent messages to us.
Receive personal health information and internet links relating to your condition.
Register for MyIndici
If you wish to register, please fill in the details below. We will then contact you via text or email with your password and give you further instructions to follow.
Having trouble with MyIndici?
Are you have trouble using MyIndici? Have someone from our team call you to help.