Zero GP and Prescription Fees for Under 13s

Zero GP and Prescription Fees for Under 13s

If your child is under 13 years and enrolled with a general practice team then getting medical care from today could be a whole lot cheaper.

West Coast Primary Health Organisation Executive Officer Helen Reriti says the scheme has been introduced around the country to improve access to healthcare for primary and intermediate school children.

“Introducing zero fees for under 13s will ensure they can get the care they need when they need it and avoid possible complications and visits to the hospital emergency department,” Ms Reriti says.

All West Coast general practices will offer zero-fee routine consultation visits for young people under 13 and the pharmacy charge for each item of prescription medicine for under-13s will be removed. Other pharmacy and general practice service charges may still apply.

The ‘zero fees’ scheme applies to a standard daytime visit to a GP or nurse at the child’s regular practice (where they are enrolled) or an after-hours visit to a participating clinic. It also applies to injuries covered by ACC.

Situations where charges might still apply for medical care for under-13s include:

• Not being enrolled with a general practice team

• Extended general practice consultations, procedures and extra services such as certificates or equipment will continue to be charged in the usual way

• Pharmacies may also charge for extra services such as medicines’ delivery or packaging, in addition to fees for medicines that are not funded by Pharmac

• Home visits

ENDS

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