FAQs
Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Records and Reports
How can I get my records if I want to see them or need to use them?
If I’ve been to hospital to see a specialist can I get a copy of their report?
Sexual Safety
Complaints
Costs
I feel awkward asking about costs. Should GPs have a list of costs I can read or take away?
I can’t afford to pay for the medicine the doctor prescribed. Can I get any help with this?
Prescriptions
What should I do if I think the medication prescribed does not seem right for me?
Practice Nurses
What services do practice nurses give and what are their qualifications?
Answers:
Q. How can I get my records if I want to see them or need to use them?
A. You can ask your gp for a copy of your notes. You may want to be more specific about what you need especially if you have lots on record. There has been a lot of debate about who “owns” the notes. You are entitled to the information in them but this doesn’t mean you can take the notes away as they belong to the gp or hospital that made them.
If you’re wanting your notes to go to another gp you can ask to have them transferred. Again this should be in writing and signed by you. Often the practice you move to will have a form for you to use for this. Some gps are comfortable in giving you the notes to take yourself, but this is definitely not universal.
Q. If I’ve been to hospital to see a specialist can I get a copy of their report?
A. Many specialists now send a copy of the letters they send back to referring gps to the patient already. If that doesn’t happen then you can contact your gp and get a copy from them.
If it’s through the hospital you need to make the request in writing and there may be someone from administration to see you with the notes There are much stricter requirements for most hospitals these days because of privacy issues and ensuring only the patient him/herself gets access.
Q. I am nervous about being examined by a male doctor. Can I insist on a woman doctor and can I bring someone in with me for the examination?
A. Most GPs are happy to try to meet your request for a woman doctor for intimate examinations. It will depend on the availability of a woman in your practice. Some GPs even refer to another service such as FPA (Family Planning Association) to meet your needs. Some practices have female nurses who can do the exam as an alternative.
Yes you can bring someone with you if that helps you to feel safer. You can also ask if a nurse could be there too or your GP may regularly ask a nurse to assist.. Some patients do not want anyone else present and find it more private with just the GP that they know. Trust is a big issue. Just as you can bring someone with you, the doctor can also say if they don’t feel comfortable with your support person for some reason. As so often communication is the key.
Q. I find it really hard to tell my doctor if I’m not satisfied with the service I’m getting. What’s the best way to do this?
A. It is important to let your doctor know how you feel. Just like making any request or complaint it is helpful to be specific: what is not meeting your needs, and what you’d like to have happen.
If you find it hard to speak directly to the doctor then you may prefer to write things down.
Even though it’s hard, it’s better if you can talk to your doctor. Often there is miscommunication/misunderstanding and both sides feel better when that gets sorted out.
If the complaint is more serious, you may need to contact the Health and Disability Commission (HDC). There is an 0800 number. They can help you decide what steps to take next.
The other office where you can lay a complaint is the Medical Council (MCNZ). They automatically involve the HDC but deal with problems that fall outside the Code of Rights (http://www.mcnz.org.nz). They also have a listing in the phone book.
Q. I feel awkward asking about costs. Should GPs have a list of costs I can read or take away?
A. These days everyone is cost-conscious and it’s quite right to ask. There should be a list of basic consultation costs displayed in the waiting room or at the reception desk. Other services such as minor operations vary in price depending on the problem and it’s best to ask if you haven’t been told beforehand what that service will likely cost.
Some practices have pamphlets or newsletters with the costs listed.
Q. Should the doctor tell me when a test or x-ray is going to cost me? What if it is more than I can afford?
A. Most GPs discuss the various options for tests and x-ray etc. Private services charge for these though there may be subsidised in some situations depending where you are in the country. If you have health insurance it’s useful to know what services this covers. Often the GP will only be able to give you an approximate cost so you may need to check with the service directly.
There’s no shame in saying when you can’t afford a test. We are all aware of rising costs these days and you won’t be the only one in such a situation. It’s better to say so upfront and let the doctor help you find another solution if possible.
Q. I can’t afford to pay for the medicine the doctor prescribed. Can I get any help with this?
A. Check with your doctor and/or your chemist as there may be a cheaper brand available. Also, if you are on a benefit you may be entitled to a disability allowance from the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) to help cover such extra costs.
Q. What should I do if I think the medication prescribed does not seem right for me?
A. It’s very important that you let your doctor know if you are getting any unwanted reactions to your medication. This may be a side-effect, the dose may need altering or there may be an allergy. It is helpful if you can be specific about what you are feeling as this will help your doctor work out what needs to be done.
The other time you may be unsure about the medication is at the chemist as the pills may look different when different brands are substituted. If you’re not sure check with the pharmacist so they can make sure it is the right one for you.
Q. What services do practice nurses give and what are their qualifications?
A. Nurses are an integral part of the primary care team. Practice nurses are all registered nurses. Some of them will also have done other qualifications such as midwifery (pregnancy care) for example. Many practice nurses also attend courses so they can provide practice patients with the correct information on special topics such as asthma, diabetes or sexual health.
They are often available to give results or organise prescriptions. They can help sort out if you need to see the doctor or if they have advice that you can follow without needing to come in. Practice Nurses do immunisations, dressings and help with minor surgery. They may do health checks such as blood pressure, weight and blood sugar tests. Some practice nurses are trained to conduct cervical smear tests.
Individual nurses may have other special interests and skills that contributes to the quality of care you receive from your general practice.