Holdup in GP fee subsidies

Cuts in GP fees for those aged 18 to 24, due to kick in tomorrow, are expected to be put on hold at many practices because doctors are refusing to reduce their charges enough to satisfy the Health Ministry.

Mark Wills, of Auckland primary care group ProCare, said last night that he lacked confidence the deadlock would be broken today.

He said similar difficulties existed nationwide between primary health organisations (PHOs) and district health boards over the ministry's demands.

The last-minute row casts a shadow over one of the Government's key health policies: more-affordable doctor visits through the PHOs, which now cover most of the population. Fees for most age groups have been reduced already in many areas of poverty and high Maori and Pacific populations - and elsewhere for the elderly and those aged 6 to 17, although one study indicated not all affected doctors were passing on the full subsidy to patients.

Unsubsidised GP visits now cost around $50. The new Government funding available from tomorrow for people aged 18 to 24 amounted to nearly $26.75 a patient, New Zealand Doctor magazine reported yesterday. It says the ministry wants all of this passed on in fees cuts at clinics that see the average number of patients.

A central Auckland GP told the Herald that her practice intended to reduce its $60 fee by $22.