1 July, 2004

ACC treatment provider payments consultation begins

A public consultation on the implementation of increased payments by ACC to injury treatment providers has begun.

The increased payments were announced in the 2004 Budget because the Non-Earners¡¦ component of the ACC scheme is funded by the Government.

The Budget allocated additional funding that will: „h Increase ACC¡¦s current contribution to radiology services by about 44 percent. „h Increase the Registered Medical Practitioner (such as GPs) consultation rate from $26 to $32 per visit (GST inclusive). „h Increase the combined Registered Medical Practitioner/nurse payment from $29 to $35 per visit (GST inclusive). „h Increase the non-specialist dental treatment payment for claimants to about 75 percent of reasonable market cost.

These payments are made by ACC directly to treatment providers. Payments for treatment are set out in the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation (Liability to Pay or Contribute to Cost of Treatment) Regulations 2003.

Before the changes can be made to the Cost of Treatment Regulations, ACC is required to consult on the proposed amendments.

The consultation ends on July 31 and it expected resulting changes will take effect from 1 April 2005.

ENDS

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