New Patient Enrolment

New Patients

Some of our doctors are accepting new enrolments on a case by case basis.

Please phone our reception team on 09 376 3015 or email Amanda on admin@hernebaymed.co.nz for more information. 

What Does Enrolment Mean?

Enrolment means you wish to receive most of your ongoing healthcare at this Medical Centre and, together, we plan to meet your health needs. Herne Bay Medical Centre's Primary Health Organisation (PHO) is ProCare.

Can I consult another doctor?

Yes, you can still visit another doctor/Medical Centre for example After Hours Accident and Medical Services or when you want another opinion – however, you will be a “casual” patient at these services.

You can request that your medical records be forwarded to another doctor/Medical Centre should you wish to enrol elsewhere.

For further information about enrolling with a PHO, refer to the Ministry of Health publication “Enrolling with a Primary Health Organisation – Answering your Questions”

Eligibility requirements for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand

Due to the new Ministry of Health regulations, general practitioners now need to enforce the government’s 2003 Eligibility Direction policy, in which we are required to prove a patients eligibility for funding to the Ministry of Health for ALL patients.

What we need

  • New Zealand Birth Certificate

  • New Zealand Resident and Returning Resident Permit/Visa

  • Two (2) or more years from the date of entry continuous work permit/visa and date of entry stamp.

  • Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident – proof of intention to stay in NZ for two (2) or more years more (e.g. work contract, house long-term lease, ownership, or mortgage) PLUS your passport.

Children

  • Children 17 years and under – with a parent or legal guardian on a two (2) or more years continuous work permit – must present parent’s passport and proof of relationship.

  • Children 17 years and under – with a parent or legal guardian who holds New Zealand Residency or citizenship – must present parent’s passport and proof of relationship.

  • Child born in New Zealand after 01/01/2006 (to one or both parents who meet eligibility criteria) – must present parent’s passport and proof of relationship.

Maternity

  • Publicly funded for holders of the documents above or if their partner is a holder of these documents.

  • Proof of relationship to eligible partner will be required.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

My visa is valid for two (2) years. Shouldn’t that make me eligible for funded healthcare?

You are only eligible for funded healthcare in New Zealand if you have a visa that is valid for at least two (2) years from the day you enter New Zealand.

I have a Visitor or Student Visa. Am I eligible?

No as they are not valid for two (2) or more years.

I’ve already provided this document for another practice/hospital, why do I have to provide them again?

We do not have an organisation wide system in New Zealand for collecting this information. We cannot rely on third-party evidence, we must sight proof ourselves.

I don’t have a passport or birth certificate – can I use my New Zealand driver’s license?

No, this is not proof that someone is a New Zealand citizen.

If I come need to be seen in an urgent medical condition and have no proof on my person, will I be treated and will I have to pay immediately?

We will not turn anyone away that requires urgent medical treatment we have the ability to provide. In this case you will be treated first and will then be asked to provide proof of your eligibility. If you are ineligible or refuse to provide proof, you will be sent an invoice for the full cost of the treatment. If you later prove that you are eligible, the invoice will be reduced. Acute care funding is available for accident victims treated under ACC but there will be a surcharge you will be liable for. We do appreciate prompt payment, if you will have trouble paying on the day, please speak to your attending doctor.

I am married to a person eligible, does this mean I am?

No, marriage does not make a person eligible for publicly funded healthcare services, unless maternity related. You must prove your status to be eligible in your own right.

What if I am a refugee or asylum seeker?

You will be eligible for funding after providing proof.