The Medical Association says family doctors may raise their fees higher than the 6.5% which district health boards say is reasonable.
The 21 DHBs in New Zealand have released their annual recommendation of what is a reasonable fee increase for GPs for the 2009- 2010 year.
The boards' spokesperson, Craig Climo, says 6.5% is a reasonable increase. It will take effect from July.
However, the chairperson of the Medical Association's GP Council says GPs need to make sure their businesses are viable.
Dr Mark Peterson says most GPs have faced substantial increases in costs over the past few years and should be free to cover them.
