NZMAWednesday 22 December 2010, 11:35PM
21 December
Today's announcement by the Government that it will open up the
ACC Work Account to private insurers will be looked at closely by
the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) to ensure it does not
compromise patient care.
"We will scrutinize the implications for doctors and their
patients," says NZMA Chair Dr Peter Foley. "We would hope that this
will not be an impediment to the care required by patients."
"The NZMA is pleased that the Government intends to introduce a
clearing house for claims so providers have a single point of
claiming."
The NZMA has been a long-time advocate for a clearing house says
Dr Foley.
"We will also be looking closely at the detail around this to
ensure it is workable for doctors and claimants."
The Government has said its decision to open up the Work Account
to choice will put pressure on ACC to be more effective and
efficient in providing accident insurance cover.