One of the more consistent complaints received by the New Brighton Residents Assn is from patients about a local medical centre.
The complaints have related mainly to the cost structure.
One elderly superannuant reliant on his walker and mobility scooter says he changed doctors at this centre, because his usual locum told him he only could be seen for just one ailment. “I took umbrage at that, but the nearest alternative practice is too far away to get to and I‘d be broke coming back for each of my problems.”
Others have said they have no option but pay the full amount because it is the only surgery in New Brighton (nearest is Travis Rd or QE11 or Breezes Rd).
The predominant concern passed onto to NBRA has been the full cost payable by those who would normally be entitled to a discount via a Gold Card or Community Services card.
For elderly or low-income families, that can amount to either not going to doctor, or cutting down on some other necessity.
The New Brighton Medical Centre has about 12,000 patients and covers almost the entire suburb and its fee structure is this:
FOR A NORMAL CONSULTATION FOR ENROLLED PATIENTS:
– ADULTS 18 AND OVER $53.00
– YOUNG ADULTS (14-17years) $27.00
– STUDENT (Aged 18-24) $30
– CHILDREN (up to age 14 years) Free
– CHARGES FOR NON-ENROLLED PATIENTS:
– ADULTS WITH CSC $69.00
– ADULTS WITHOUT CSC $84.00
– Young Adults (14–17 years) With CSC $64.00
– Young Adults (14–17 years) No CSC $69.00
– Children up to age 14 years $49.00
– DNA Doctor (Missed Appointment) $25.
On checking the cost structure of other medical practices in Christchurch, NBRA discovered the overwhelming majority offer a discount for a CSC (Community Services Card covering superannuants and families on benefits).
With more likely to lose jobs in the coming months, those living in New Brighton will be disadvantaged unless prepared to travel elsewhere, as some of these nearby alternative medical facilities indicate on their websites, they are not taking on new patients.
WHY the New Brighton Medical Centre is not in line with the majority of others in Christchurch who operate under the same umbrella of Pegasus Health, is the question residents are asking.
Pegasus Health is contracted to the DHB, who is contracted to the Government, which provides the funding.
Pegasus is the provider and link to the medical practices. It does not dictate the fee structure, as that is up to each business.
New Brighton is one of two in Christchurch owned by an independent company based in Auckland called Tamaki Health Care.
It appears the decision NOT to buy into the Community Services Card discounts for New Brighton residents rests with the local management of ‘our’ practice, and the question being asked is WHY NOT ?
Particularly if the Government provides the subsidy, and generally a consultancy with a doctor on this basis is around $19 instead of $53.
Hence the Government picks up the tab but the fee is basically fixed for those with a card at this level, and in the view of NBRA gives people a choice and certainty.
New Brighton Healthcare says it does not want money to be a barrier to health care, and to mitigate this, refers those with limited incomes or no money to WINZ, or a budget advisor, or to a social worker who might try and seek funding on the patient’s behalf, or if desperate, can pay the fee on a weekly basis.
(Mind you the prospective patient has to mention it.)
While there may be an argument why the local medical outlet in Union St choose not to adopt a discount scheme, the New Brighton Residents Association does not believe the process is fair, and in fact somewhat demeaning.
It appears there is a fear for practices in general of being overrun by beneficiaries with CSC cards, and thus reducing the ability of the business to make a profit, and some naturally are cautious about taking on new patients unless they have a dollar in their pockets.
It must be made clear, the New Brighton Medical Centre provides a good service, with a high level of treatment standard, staffed by highly regarded medical personnel.
However, from NBRA’s understanding, not all doctors and nurses are keen on the current system or have much input into the fee structure.
Finally, as one local put it, “the New Brighton medical rooms operate from a converted house, could it not invest in something a little more modern and state of art for both doctors and patients.”
The object of this post is not to be critical of New Brighton Healthcare with a fine record for professional medical practice, but to pose the question around whether cost concerns posed by residents is fair and reasonable.