Family visit doctor nearly every week

Philippa Scarlett has frequently taken her sons (from left) Harry, 8, Edward, 9, and Oliver, 11, to the doctor this winter. Picture / Kenny Rodger

Nearly every week this winter mother of three Philippa Scarlett has had to take at least one of her three boys to the doctor. Mostly it's been tummy or chest infections, standard winter stuff.

The Remuera woman has not had to consider the cost of going to the GP too hard for years and says in that respect "I guess I am privileged".

"I have never not gone because I suppose I am in a position where I have a Visa card and knowing I have health insurance makes a huge difference," she said.

Eight-year-old Harry, who has asthma and is on daily medication, is more likely to end up at the doctor suffering from chest infections.

"I don't muck around with him. If I do he's on steroids."

Oldest son Oliver, 11, suffers from a condition called benign positional vertigo, which causes him to feel dizzy and vomit but is managed with medication at the first signs he is unwell.

"He will have a week off school at a time if I don't get in there early enough."

Each time Mrs Scarlett takes one of the boys, aged 11, 9 or 8, to the doctor at the Epsom Medical Centre it costs $34. If she's the one seeing the doctor it costs $59. A few years ago she remembers paying $27 for the boys' visits.

Although the price has gone up, she believes the standard of care the family receive is well worth it.

If one of the boys is off-colour, a nurse will offer advice over the phone.

"We get great care. They are lovely people, and they genuinely care about you ... I certainly feel like I am getting a fair deal."

Mrs Scarlett, who works part-time in retail, said that when she was younger she would often put off a visit to the doctor.

"Now if I get sick I know I have to be well to look after them."

Seeing your GP

Costs at the Epsom Medical Centre (an interim funded PHO):

* Adult, $59.
* Adult with community services card, $44.
* Children aged 6 to 17, $34 if enrolled with practice, $44 if not.
* Those aged 18 to 24, $35.
* Children younger than 6, $24.
* Those older than 65, $37 if enrolled, $59 if not.