The Accident Compensation Corporation is being accused of leaving elderly people in pain by turning down legitimate claims for treatment in order to save money.
Figures from ACC show it turned down more than 8,500 claims for surgery in the last financial year, compared with 4957 in the 2007-2008 year.
Christchurch orthopaedic surgeon Graham Inglis says the number of elderly people refused surgery, particularly for shoulders, has increased dramatically recently.
"It's become very common over the last 12 months with the changes in the administration of ACC ... particularly with elderly people with shoulder problems - not even elderly - people over the age of 40."
Radio New Zealand has also spoken to another orthopaedic surgeon who says in their surgery during past three months, 60% of ACC shoulder surgery applications have been turned down, and almost everyone refused was older than 55.
An ACC spokesperson, Kevin Morris, says it has not changed its eligibility rules, but has employed surgeons to look at individual cases more closely in an effort to save money.
Dr Morris says from 2003 to 2009, the amount of money ACC spent on surgery increased by more than $150 million.
But the Orthopaedic Association chief executive Kim Miles says he is getting copied rejection letters from ACC on a daily basis and the issue will be raised at a meeting with ACC later this week.
Frances Cherry, 72, of Wellington, tore a tendon in her arm while exercising and told Nine to Noon on Monday she needs surgery, but ACC is refusing to pay.
"I did get ACC to go and have an X-ray and ultrasound, and finally just last week they told me that because of an old injury, they say, and calcification, I'm not able to get the ACC."
Ms Cherry says she will pay to see a specialist, as she does not want to wait any longer.
