Primary Health Providers

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

This may seem like a strange question, but, are you aware that when you register at a health centre you are supposed to register with a doctor? Meaning, you choose your primary physician at the health centre.

That way, when you need to see a doctor, you make an appointment with the same one each time, rather than with whoever is available.

I read a lot of posts and comments about having to see a different doctor each time people visit their health centre, and I wonder why.

Do you ring to make appointments or do you just go in? If you ring first you are more likely to see your chosen doctor, rather than the duty doctor. You get what is called continuity of care. That way someone knows what’s going on and is less likely to miss clues. Doctors don’t have time to read everyone’s notes and will skim the last note, missing anything before. If you see the same doctor each time, they will get to know you and what’s happening, and put it together faster.

You can also see the nurse for a lot of issues. Which is cheaper, quicker and often all you need to do. You can also spend longer with the nurse talking about what’s happening and asking questions to find the answers, where a doctors appointment is often rushed. The nurse can then decide if the doctor needs to be seen or if the patient just needs some ointment or a prescription, which the nurse can then organise.

It’s also a lot cheaper going to the same doctor each time.

Many health centres let patients set up automatic payments to cover any costs. I pay $5 per week and I don’t have to come up with the money at the time of the visit. I am in credit and we have checkups each year, scripts are covered and when we do need to go in, I don’t worry that I have no money.

Try to choose a primary physician you are comfortable with and trust, and stick with them. Your health will be better for it.