Low Fees Now

Dunedin South Medical Centre is so excited about the new government subsidies for GP visits, they’re jumping the gun and bringing in lower fees for Community Services Card holders early.

From Monday 5 November, it will only cost $18.50 for a patient with a Community Services Card to see a doctor at the practice.

That’s a considerable saving from the previous fee of $36.

“We’ve been here in South Dunedin for 60 years and we’ve always kept our fees for our patients as low as we can,” says Dr John Arnold, who has been a practice partner for over 20 years.

Health Minister Dr David Clark announced in May that the government would be bringing in new subsidies from 1 December this year.

Dr Arnold is pleased to be able to do more for the most vulnerable in the community.

South Dunedin is densely populated and is one of the most socioeconomically deprived urban areas in the country. Many of the people who live here are older, or have disabilities, or are recent arrivals to New Zealand.

“It’s really important to us that our patients can see a doctor when they need to,” says Practice Manager Anna Barham.

At Dunedin South Medical Centre, patients can usually see their own family doctor within a day or two and are almost always able to see a doctor on the day that they call if they have an urgent need.

Continuity of care is particularly important for people who have complex needs, says experienced Practice Nurse Sue Vorgers. “You don’t want to have to explain everything all over again to a new doctor every time you go.”

Patients registered at Dunedin South Medical Centre can now book appointments, request repeat prescriptions and view their lab results online using the patient portal ManageMyHealth.

To enrol, pop in and talk to the friendly receptionists at 351 King Edward Street between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm Monday to Friday. Bring some ID, and don’t forget your Community Services Card!