Statement of Reasonable GP Fee Increases

Media Release
23rd January 2007

Release of the first Annual Statement of Reasonable GP Fee Increases

A benchmark level of a reasonable fee increase for GP fees patients pay has been set for the first time by the DHBs, spokesperson Dr Win Bennett said today on behalf of all DHBs.

The benchmark level sets out the reasonable fee increase for GP practices receiving Government funding. Fee increases may be less or more than this benchmark but any greater than the benchmark level triggers a review process which allows greater scrutiny of the reasonableness of the increase.

The greater scrutiny is provided by a regional fee review committee. Fee increases less than or equal to the benchmark will generally be automatically approved.

Setting the benchmark allows the Government to ensure that it is retaining value from its investment in primary care though its payments to GPs.

Dr Bennett said the benchmark level was set independently by an external consulting group and the report was now available on the DHBNZ website.

He said the DHBs owed thanks to the sector advisory group who added valuable insights into the process.

The benchmark level varies depending on the type of funding arrangements. A typical arrangement where a GP practice has 50% Government funding would have a benchmark of a 4.5% fee increase in the current financial year.

Further details are available on www.dhbnz.org.nz

ENDS

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