Frequently Asked Questions

• Which patients are eligible to receive Primary Options services?
  Patients who would normally have been admitted/referred acutely to hospital and who reside within the Waitemata DHB boundaries.
  
  
• How can services be accessed for patients?
  Telephone the Service Co-Ordinator on 09 535-7218 and complete a referral form and fax to 09 535-7154 where services will be organised.
  
  
• Are there any conditions or situations where patients should be admitted straight to hospital rather than Primary Options?
  • Patients with chest pain of cardiac origin should be sent immediately to hospital by ambulance.
  • People who suffer a stroke.
  • The older, frail adult with multiple/complex needs and medical problems.
  • People with complex conditions and needs.
  • People who have had an accident (ACC Cases).
  • People who are requiring long term palliative or terminal care.
  • Post-partum women with uterine tenderness and sepsis.
  • People who do not agree to the terms and conditions of Primary Options.
  • If there is any doubt, contact the Service Co-Ordinator, telephone 535-7218.
    
    
• Who can help with medical management advice?
• Dr Hamish Hart can provide medical advice to GPs, with telephone advice, same day patient assessment, access to acute clinic reviews and arrangement of investigations. Ring North Shore Hospital, telephone 486 1491 between 11am and 5pm and ask to speak to Hamish Hart directly or the Registrar on call. Can the Practice team provide Primary Options services? Yes, some examples of practice based services are: * After hours consults * Home visits by GP or Practice Nurse * Practice Observation
  
  
• When should the Referral Form be faxed to Primary Options?
  The Referral Form MUST be faxed to Primary Options within FOUR HOURS of the initial consultation.
  
  
• What happens after hours?
  Services can be accessed after hours as usual. Primary Options pays for planned or referred after hours follow up services provided by the GP or deputised GP if needed (If a patient accesses a nominated Accident and Medical Centre, services can be accessed with the GPs approval that is responsible for follow up). A call centre service coordinates services out of hours and weekends. Telephone Primary Options 09 535-7218, 24 hours 7 days a week.
  
  
• What happens if a patient requires admission after all?
  Refer to hospital services in the usual way. It is essential that patients are admitted when necessary – risks should never be taken to avoid an admission. Primary Options will pay for services provided.
  
  
• Who has clinical responsibility for the patient while receiving Primary Options?
  The referring GP agrees to take clinical responsibility and ongoing care of the patient in the community, by accessing Primary Options services. See Terms and Conditions.
  
  
• How can further information be obtained if the need arises?
  The Service Co-Ordinator/call centre is available on 09 535-7218, 24 hours, 7 days per week.
  
  
• Can Primary Options services be accessed for the same patient, for more than one episode of care?
  Yes, funding is allocated per patient, per episode.
  
  
• How many days can a patient be on Primary Options and how much is allocated?
  $300 is allocated per episode. Discuss with Service Co-Ordinator if more time is required, or it appears that costs may exceed $300.
  
  
• What is the claiming procedure for Practice – based services?
  Complete an Outcome Form and fax to the Service Co-Ordinator when the episode of care has been completed. You will receive payment for your care by the following month.
  
  
• Does the patient have to pay for Primary Options?
  No. The initial GP consultation incurs the usual charge and thereafter all services are provided at no cost to the patient.
  
  
• How much can be charged for GP services?
  Charge the usual rate to Primary Options for home visits, practice observation, or other services. A guide to charges can be found on the Outcome Form