Finding and registering with a general practice in New Zealand is an essential step for accessing primary healthcare services. This guide explains the process, eligibility requirements, and benefits of enrolling with a GP. What is a General Practice? A general practice is your first point of contact for your primary healthcare needs in New Zealand. General practice teams typically include doctors (general practitioners), nurse practitioners, practice nurses, health improvement practitioners, and health coaches who provide comprehensive primary care services. Benefits of Registering with a GP When you register with a general practice, you become one of their enrolled patients and gain several benefits: Lower fees for doctor visits Enrolled patients pay significantly reduced consultation fees compared to casual patients. This is because the government subsidises general practices for their enrolled patients through the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) funding model. For many New Zealanders, this can mean saving a lot of money per visit compared to casual patient rates. Continuity of care with a regular doctor Building a relationship with a regular doctor ensures they become familiar with your health history, ongoing conditions, and personal circumstances. This continuity leads to more effective healthcare as your doctor can track changes in your health over time and provide consistent treatment approaches. Studies have shown that patients who maintain a long-term relationship with their family doctor often experience better health outcomes. Easier access to other health services Enrolled patients typically receive convenient appointment options and can more easily obtain referrals to specialists and other health services when needed. Your general practice serves as your healthcare hub, coordinating your overall care and helping you navigate the wider health system, including hospital services, specialist consultations, and community-based programs. Personalised care from practitioners who know your medical history When you regularly visit the same practice, the entire team becomes familiar with your medical records and personal health journey. This means even practice nurses, health improvement practitioners, and health coaches can all provide more tailored and effective care. This is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions, preventative healthcare, and addressing complex health needs. Government subsidy for qualified enrolled patients Through the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) funding system, practices receive an amount to support the delivery of funded health services. This subsidy model encourages practices to focus on preventative care and population health, rather than just treating illnesses. The funding arrangement also enables practices to offer additional services that might otherwise be unaffordable, such as health promotion programs, chronic disease management, and outreach services for vulnerable populations. Eligibility for Publicly Funded Healthcare To be eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand, you must be one of the following: A New Zealand citizen A permanent resident or permanent resident visa holder An Australian citizen A work visa holder (valid for 2+ years) A resident of the Cook Islands Finding a General Practice Selecting the right general practice is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your healthcare experience. With numerous medical centres available, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach to find a practice that meets your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. A well-matched general practice will not only provide convenient access to healthcare but also offer a comfortable environment where you feel understood and supported. The process requires some research and consideration, but investing time in this decision pays dividends in the quality of your ongoing care. Here’s how to approach finding and evaluating potential general practices: Research practices in your area through the Healthpoint website The Healthpoint website (healthpoint.co.nz) provides comprehensive information about general practices throughout New Zealand. You can search by location, view detailed profiles of each practice, and access information about their services, specialties, languages spoken, and accessibility features. Many practices also list their fees on Healthpoint, allowing you to compare costs before making contact. Alternative resources include the Health Navigator website (healthify.nz) or your local Primary Health Organisation’s (PHO) directory, which can help you identify practices accepting new patients. Contact several medical centres to check if they’re accepting new patients Once you’ve identified potential practices, call or email their medical centre receptionist to inquire about availability. It’s advisable to contact multiple practices, as many popular clinics have limited capacity. During this initial contact, ask specific questions about enrolment procedures, typical wait times for appointments, after-hours or same day care options, and whether the practice has doctors with specialties relevant to your health needs. Some practices may offer a brief introductory meeting to help you determine if they’re a good fit before formal enrolment. Some practices may have a waiting list for new patients Due to high demand, particularly in growing urban areas, many general practices maintain waiting lists for new patients. When contacting a practice, ask about current waiting periods and whether they prioritise certain patient categories (such as family members of existing patients or those with urgent health needs). If placed on a waiting list, maintain contact with the practice periodically to check your status. In the meantime, you can access healthcare through urgent care clinics, though these typically charge higher fees than enrolled patient rates. Consider factors like location, services provided, and fees When choosing a general practice, evaluate several key factors: Location. Consider proximity to your home or workplace, public transport access, and parking availability Services provided. Some practices offer extended services like minor surgery, mental health support, specialist clinics for chronic conditions, or complementary therapies Fees structure. Compare standard consultation fees, charges for additional services, and discounts for Community Services Card holders Opening hours. Check if the practice offers early morning, evening, or weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule Cultural factors. Some practices specialise in serving specific cultural communities with appropriate language support and culturally responsive care Team composition. Consider the range of health professionals available, including health improvement practitioners, health coaches, pharmacists, and social workers who might be integrated with the practice How to Register Contact your chosen medical centre Complete an enrolment form with your personal details Sign a form consenting to the information collected being shared with the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Present the required documentation, which usually includes: Photo ID Proof of address Birth certificate (for children and babies) Visa (if not a New Zealander) What Happens After Registration After completing registration, your medical records will be transferred to your new practice. The practice will be connected to a Primary Health Organisation (PHO), which coordinates primary health services in your area. Services You Can Access Once registered, you can access various services including: Regular practitioner visits Practice nurses consultations Health advice Minor surgery Referrals to specialists and other health services Fees and Funding General practices set their own fees, but enrolled patients pay less than casual patients. If you have a Community Services Card, you may be eligible for cheaper visits. The Primary Health Organisation (PHO) ensures practices receive funding to provide funded health services. Finding a Doctor on the Medical Council’s Register If you wish to verify a doctor’s qualifications, you can check the Medical Council’s register online before choosing a family doctor. For more information about accessing public health services, contact your local general practice or visit the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website. Phoenix Health Hub is currently accepting new patient enrolments at our Moorhouse and Rolleston clinics.
