‘No-win’ situation as GPs hike fees
More than half of the region’s GPs have already increased their fees, and more are expected to do so this year. Photo: Supplied/Unsplash.
More than half of GPs in the Nelson Tasman region increased their fees last month, with more expected to follow suit.
Fifty-five per cent of practices put their fees up as a “last resort” to keep their practices afloat due to a lack of Government funding.
A trip to the GP for a 25 to 64-year-old without a community services card now costs up to $65 depending on where you go, that being the fee at Richmond Health Centre. The cheapest doctor to visit is Murchison Health Centre, at $41.
From 1 August, GPs received 4 per cent more funding - a far cry from the 14 per cent shortfall that was reported by Health NZ to Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, in January.
Clinics are also allowed to increase their fees by 7.76 per cent.
Nelson Tasman GP spokesperson Graham Loveridge says this means that patients are being hit in the pocket when the cost of living crisis is already biting.
“GPs are struggling to remain financially viable… 4 per cent is not enough and practices are left with no alternative but to increase their fees.”
Graham labels it as a “cynical move” from the Government.
“They knew it wasn’t enough, the Government has been very clear that funding needs to increase but now it falls on the patients.
“For some people, it’s particularly miserable. Some people can afford it, but some people’s income can’t cover the $50-$60.
“GPs are really aware of the struggle, but we’ve got to pay our staff. It’s a tough decision and most have been reluctant.”
In saying that, Graham says they do not want people to avoid accessing healthcare if they really need it.
“If they need to be seen then we can work out a plan with them, we’d rather do that than have them ignore their health. For those that are struggling financially, we are happy to work out payment plans.”
Charlotte Etheridge, general manager primary care at Nelson Bays Primary Health (NBPH), says people can expect to see more GPs in the region increase their fees this year.
“I think we will see more increases; many will hold off as long as they can.”
Her key message for people is that the community needs to stay engaged with their healthcare providers.
“The last thing we want is for patients not accessing their GP. You feel for patients, but careful consideration has been given to this, and it’s not an easy decision for the directors.”
Several practices around the region have apologised to patients via letters with one calling it a “no-win” situation and has prompted patients to also write to the Minister of Health.
According to a new survey released on Monday from The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro), nine out of 10 family doctor clinics in New Zealand plan to increase their fees if they have not done so already.
The August survey of 244 practices - a quarter of the total number in New Zealand - found that 89 per cent had recently increased or were about to increase fees, 70 percent were in a worse financial position than a year ago and 83 percent worried about their long-term viability.
For a full list of GP fees in the Nelson Tasman region, go here.