|
Frequently Asked Questions
Click, on a question, to get the answer....
1. We now have PHO’s – so what has changed?
2. Why do different doctors, even within the same PHO, charge different fees?
3. How do I know if I am enrolled in a PHO?
4. What happens if I am not enrolled in a PHO?
5. What happens if I regularly go to more than one doctor? What happens if I see another doctor or locum within the same practice when my usual doctor can’t see me for some reason?
6. Can I visit another doctor when I’m away somewhere else e.g. on holiday?
7. Is there potential for including complementary health practitioners (CHPs) into the PHO system?
8. Will other health professionals have access to my medical information?
9. What systems does HealthWEST have in place for managing feedback and complaints?
10. What opportunities are there for community participation in HealthWEST?
11. What projects is HealthWEST currently involved in?
HealthWEST is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) serving the first level health needs of people in West Auckland. We work hard to provide a first class health service for you and your family by supporting our 25+ practices and our 300+ GPs, Practice Nurses, Pharmacists and other health professionals. Collectively we provide or support:
back to top
Fees vary as doctors have different ways of working, different consultation times, different populations to serve and different overheads (rent, wages and supplies etc). Similar variations occur with dentists and other professionals. “Standardised prices” can occur with commodities but often do not!
back to top
back to top
If you live in Waitakere City and your doctor is a member of HealthWEST or Waiora PHO, you are automatically enrolled. You may phone your practice to confirm.
back to top
You may pay higher fees, higher prescription fees and you may not be eligible for some special healthcare programmes.
back to top
No problem as the practice will have access to your medical record.
back to top
Yes, there is provision for visitors anywhere in NZ to see doctors for urgent care. Once again, you will have the choice about whether your usual practice is sent the record of this visit.
back to top
At present there is no funding from Government or District Health Boards for CHPs so they are not able to be included in PHOs. This also means that you will have to pay a full fee for any service from non-PHO practitioners.
back to top
Only doctors in the same practice where you are enrolled can access your clinical information. In emergencies, other professionals, for example hospital doctors, may request information. This will only be released with your permission.
back to top
If you have any feedback or complaints about the service you receive from your practice, you should refer this to your GP or the practice manager in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you can refer the matter to the Feedback Coordinator, HealthWEST PHO, Po Box 104-098, Lincoln North, Auckland 0654 or phone (09) 838 1856. Remember, your feedback helps us improve our services.
back to top
There are 2 community directors from Waitakere Health Link, in addition to two Directors from Maori, Pacific, one Nursing Director, one Pharmacist and 5 GP Directors. There is a community sub-committee that meets every 2 months; this has a wide representation form the community. You can contact Waitakere Health Link on 839 0512 or michelle.mann@waitematadhb.govt.nz for more information on community participation in healthcare planning and service delivery.
back to top
HealthWEST is involved in a number of projects to improve access for high need patients and to promote good health. These are listed on this website.
|
