A general practitioner in NZ works in a slightly different scope to family doctors in Sri Lanka or some other countries.
To become a GP in NZ, it is mandatory to fulfill the medical council’s requirements. Most of the GPs have had multiple years of working experience in hospitals, in various specialties before entering into the GP pathway. They are trained to be “Jacks of all trades” from managing minor ailments to managing complex medical and mental health problems or performing minor surgeries etc.
Every resident of NZ is encouraged to get registered with a GP, and preferably maintain a good regular relationship with the GP.
It is the first point of contact for a medical problem a person may have. Unlike in Sri Lanka, where you can self-present to a specialist, in NZ you need a referral from your GP. This ensures that problems solved at primary care are managed without having to burden secondary care.
What can your GP do for you?
In short-many things!
Below is a list of things your GP can do for you
- Diagnose and treat illnesses – both acute and chronic illnesses of all ages
- Manage accidents/injuries – includes lodging ACC claims
- Do prescriptions
- Medical certificates – off work certificates, Work and Income Support certificates, ACC medical certificates, Fitness assessment for driving/certain jobs or sports
- Care through pregnancy
- Screening programs – screening for cancers, high BP, diabetes etc
- Contraception advice/procedures – includes insertion of contraception devices
- Immunizations
- Minor surgeries
- Skin checks
- Managing mental health
- Provide lifestyle advice
- Appropriate referrals to hospital based specialists, lab requests, Xray/Ultrasound requests
- Continuing care from secondary care
- Travel advice
- Palliative care-comfort care for terminally ill patients
- Home visits for elderly patients
- Women’s health- Menopause related problems, painful periods, irregular periods etc
- Sexual health
- Steroid injections for joint pains
Often GPs work in a team with many other health professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, Health Improvement Practitioners etc. which helps in the holistic care they provide.
How to register with a GP?
In NZ, you can choose your GP.
You can search Healthpoint for general practices. You can filter your search based on their hours, location, services and if they are enrolling new patients.
GPs — Healthpoint(external link)↗
You can search the Medical Council’s register to find out whether a doctor is currently registered and is able to practise in New Zealand, as well as other public information.
Register of doctors — Medical Council of New Zealand(external link)↗
Sometimes a general practice will not take on new patients. If this happens, they should refer you to their public health office (PHO) for help finding another practice. The PHO may put you on a waitlist, and arrange for you to get care in the meantime. You can also search Healthpoint PHOs.
What should you consider when choosing your GP?
- Closer to the area where you live
- Preference for male/female GP
- Feel comfortable discussing your health
- Affordability – some practices charge less for appointments
- Communication – if language is a barrier you could look for a GP who speak your mother tongue
Bottom line is, you should feel comfortable with your GP and should trust them with you and your loved ones’ care.
How much does it cost to see the GP?
General practices are private businesses. They set their own fees for visits and other health services they provide.
General practices normally charge a higher fee if you are not enrolled with their practice. This is often called a casual rate. If you enrol with a general practice your care will be subsidised. This means you will pay a reduced consultation fee.
General practices can only enrol you if you are eligible for publicly funded health services. When you enrol you may be asked to show proof. This could include a passport or birth certificate. You will be asked to sign an enrollment form.
By Sandini Munasinghe – Wellington
