Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

GP eyes easier payments

Updated at 6:38 am on 21 November 2012

A Far North GP says his new clinic won't be offering free services, but will make easier for patients to pay for their doctor's fees.

Dr Lance O'Sullivan of Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi opened his own practice at Kaitaia hospital - Te Kohanga Whakaora - after Te Hauora o Te Hiku o Te Ika had issues with him not turning away people who could not pay for their treatment.

He says with his clinic there will be plenty of options to ease the financial burden on patients.

He says his fees are a lot cheaper than other doctors there and Dr O'Sullivan says there are different funding options he can refer people to get assistance.

He will offer budgeting advice and get people to arrange regular automatic payments to go towards medical costs.

He says he will continue as he always does and not to turn down people who can't pay, but says it is important that people make an investment in their health, and they will be charged a fee.

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