Frequently Asked Questions

What does enrolling in a practice mean and what are the benefits?

Patients are allowed to enrol with 1 GP practice which means that Ministry of Health partially fund your consultations which gives you a subsidy on your consultations.

Why do consultation fees vary from practice to practice?

Some practices have more high needs patients which means the practice receives more funding from Ministry of Health which allows them to decrease consultation fees.

How long do I need for a consultation?

Generally if you have 2 issues, 15 minutes should be enough time.If you have more than 2, a double consultation (half hour) would be expected. This allows the Doctors to keep on time therefore keeping your wait time down.

Why do I have to have a consultation to get a prescription

It is required by the Ministry of Health that GP’s follow up with their patients every 3-6 months. We have an ethical and legal obligation to ensure what is prescribed is appropriate and required.

Why was my consultation fee higher than normal?

Our fee structures are based on 15 minute appointments. If you go over 15 minutes there will be a $20.00 surcharge. If you take half an hour the consultation fee will be double. Other extra costs may include materials for a Cervical Smear or extra time to fill in a drivers licence form.

Will you contact me with results after I have had a test. e.g. Blood test / X-RAY?

The nurses will only contact you if there are any clinically significant results requiring follow up or advice.

However, if you would like to know your results regardless, you’re welcome to contact the clinic for these.

Will you contact me if I need a test such as a Cervical Smear or blood test?

Yes, we manage all recalls and will make contact with you when these are due. That is why it is important to keep your contact details with us up to date.

Is it cheaper if I have a Community Services Card?

If you are registered with Family Doctors at Smales as your GP, and have a Community Services card, you are entitled to a subsidised visit.

Do I get charged for a follow up consultation?

If you visit us with the same complaint within a week then we charge for half the consultation time taken. If it is over a week then you are charged at the normal consultation fee.