The first time a patient can’t afford to pay for a treatment

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The first time a patient can’t afford to pay for a treatment

3 July 2024

Jo Scott-Jones

Wednesday 3 July 2024, 12:35 AM

New Zealanders are paying more out of their own pockets for healthcare, and many can’t afford it [Image: redhumv on iStock]

Specialist GP Jo Scott-Jones picks up a topical subject – how to care for patients who need a service or medication that isn’t funded or requires a long wait

Key points, To help patients make informed decisions, always be transparent about the ideal treatment and the best available option. Consider self-funding, heal, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

General Practice

References

1. WHO. Universal health coverage.

2. WHO. SDG Target 3.8 | Achieve universal health coverage (UHC).

3. OECD. OECD Health at a Glance 2023 Country Note: New Zealand.

4. The World Bank. Out-of-pocket expenditure per capita (current US$) - New Zealand.

5. Medical Council of New Zealand. Safe practice in an environment of resource limitation. September 2018.

6. Te Whatu Ora. Questions and answers – Planned Care services.

7. Harvey H. Elderly not the only ones facing painful wait for hip operations. Stuff, 19 April 2024.

8. Pennington P. Iwi health provider pays for staff health insurance, says public system too slow. RNZ, 19 September 2023.

9. Wardell S. The uncomfortable truth about medical crowdfunding in New Zealand. The Spinoff, 16 September 2020.

10. Cancer Society. Financial assistance and benefits.

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