Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand (HNZ) said New Zealand now had a highly vaccinated population, most of whom were able to isolate and recover safely at home.
On Monday, new funding regulations came into effect that mean chart reviews for all cases, post-hospital discharge follow-ups and patient-initiated follow-ups within six weeks of Covid diagnosis were no longer free, except for at-risk patients.
The change has been criticised by health workers, with Cromwell Family Practice’s Dr Greg White warning the pandemic was not over and the changes devalued efforts to control the disease.
Many people would not bother with such appointments if they were no longer funded, leading to poor health outcomes both for individuals and the community.
Communication on the change in regulations had also been poor, he said, with unclear guidelines provided just three days before the change took effect.
WellSouth chief executive Andrew Swanson-Dobbs said while the changes were pragmatic, Covid funding had been "a lifeline" for many general practices, and its reduction was especially concerning heading in to winter.
National Public Health Service outbreak response interim director Matt Hannant said the changes were made following Cabinet funding decisions and consultation with the primary care sector.
"This now brings funding for Covid-19 management into closer alignment with other respiratory conditions," he said.
The new framework had been developed by primary care clinicians.
"A series of meetings with sector leads took place where feedback was sought and incorporated into the final guidance that was circulated to Primary Health Organisations on January 27, along with FAQs [frequently asked questions]."
HNZ relied on Primary Health Organisations to share information with the sector, he said.
A sector webinar also took place on February 8, with almost 900 attendees.
The HNZ website was fully updated with the revised guidelines on Monday, and updated FAQs were due to be circulated.
"The ‘care in the community’ team is also actively communicating with the primary care professional sector, answering questions about the changes."
