Frequently Asked Questions
Primary care is usually the first contact you have with health professionals i.e. when you visit your GP and nurse or when a nurse visits you. It is not hospital care.
They are local groups of primary health care providers responsible for organising and delivering primary health care to meet the needs of those enrolled with them.
You can check your enrolment status by telephoning 0800 252 464 (0800 HLTH 4 U).
When you enrol with your GP you are automatically enrolled with your local
Primary Health Organisation.
Yes, you can enrol any children in your care if they are 16 years of age or under. Ask at your GP’s reception to find out what you need to do.
No. you should enrol with the service you use most often. You can still visit other primary health care professionals but there are benefits when you get most of your health care form your usual doctor, nurse or health service.
The Ministry of Health will give your Primary Health Organisation the date of your visit but will NOT give the name of the health service, the reason for your visit or any health information. The health service will check with you about sending your health information to your usual doctor or health service.
Enrolment is voluntary. If you choose not to enrol, you will still be able to visit any primary health care professional to get the care you need. Your health professional will still receive any subsidy the Government currently gives them.
Marlborough Primary Health Organisation covers from French Pass to the Clarence River to the Marlborough Sounds link to map from Strategic Plan. See General Practices and Fees page.
You will still have to pay to see your GP or nurse in most areas. In areas where there are higher numbers of people with poorer health, some Primary Health Organisations may be able to offer reduced fees , or even free care , immediately.
You can leave or change your Primary Health Organisation or GP at any time. The Ministry of Health will advise your old Primary Health Organisation that you have enrolled somewhere eels, but will NOT give the name of your new health service or PHO.
Yes, you can still use your Community Services Card for all these services.
When you enrol , the Primary health Organisation will use the information collected form you to build an enrolment register. This register is sent to the Ministry if Health where your information will remain confidential.
This code was prepared by the Privacy Commissioner in 1994 to ensure that your privacy is protected. The code is enforceable by law.
Your health service may have copies of the Health Information Privacy Code Fact Sheet. If not, you can get them from the Privacy Commissioner: Visit their website for contact details
www.privacy.org.nz
You have rights when you receive health or disability services whether you pay for them or not. if you would like to find out more about your rights or if you have any complaint about the care you receive , you can get help from your local advisory service and Health and Disability Commissioner:
By phoning 0800 11 22 33
Or you can visit the Health and Disability Commissioners website at www.hdc.org.nz
Or you can email hdc@hdc.org.nz
The Primary Health Care Strategy sets a new vision and direction for the future of primary health care in New Zealand and builds on the goals and objectives of the New Zealand Health Strategy and the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
The vision of the Primary Health Care Strategy is that:
People will be part of local primary health care services that improve their health, keep then well, are easy to get to and co-ordinate their ongoing care
Primary health care services will focus on better health for a population, and actively work to reduce health inequalities between different groups.
- The vision of the Primary Health Care Strategy will be achieved through:
- A population health approach, with a greater focus on health promotion and the prevention and management of chronic conditions
- Involving local communities
- Greater emphasis on bringing health professionals together and encouraging multi-disciplinary approaches
- Improving service accessibility, affordability and appropriateness
- Improving co-ordination and continuity of care
- Providing funding and services according to the population's health needs, instead of a fee-for-service approach when individuals are unwell.
