Fee Increase from 1st July 2024

Why have our fees increase?

Capitation is the government’s way of providing primary care with a predictable, set amount of money for each patient enrolled with them. In the last 19 out of 20 years, capitation has failed to meet inflation, a problem that is continuing to snowball this year. While Health NZ suggested to Dr Shane Reti in January 2024 that there was a 14% capitation shortfall in 2024, only a 4% increase was announced this month (July 2024).

We are working hard to recruit additional clinicians, including GPs, to provide pay parity for our staff with what their hospital colleagues earn, and provide a safe, supported and welcoming place to work, however this takes resources which the government is declining to provide.

We have been told that to make up for the shortfall, we should increase our patient fees, which you can find here (link to page). Tasman Medical Centre joins the larger primary care community in feeling deeply distressed by this decision at a time when many of our patients are already struggling with the cost-of-living increases.

You can use this QR code to email Dr Reti directly to share your disappointment in Health NZs decision. The code will provide you with an email template which you can send as it is or personalise to fit your concerns. For instance, you may want to remind Dr Reti that NZ government funding into primary care is already amongst the lowest in the OECD. OECD countries spend an average of 14% of their health budget on primary care, whereas in NZ it is a pitiful 5.4%, even though we know that every $1 spent in primary care saves $14 in the hospital system.

We are very sorry that the government is choosing to pass this financial burden onto our patients and, again, encourage you to speak up to Dr Reti so that your voice is heard.

If you are struggling with paying for your health care, please do come and speak to our staff, who can discuss payment options and what funding may be available to you.