September Update

Spring is here
Spring is here with longer days, warmer weather – and allergies!  If you get hay fever or other seasonal illnesses, talk to your doctor or a practice nurse about possible remedies to help you get out and enjoy spring time activities.

Cervical Screening Awareness Month
During September we are offering women aged 20 – 69 years a free smear with one of our nurses if they are overdue, due or have never had one.

Funding and Fees
Medical practices receive government funding based on their enrolled population.  Masterton Medical is not a Low Cost Access practice so we receive less funding from the Ministry of Health than other medical centres might get.  The cost of an appointment with the GP is $67, depending on the type of consultation, this amount is then subsidised with either Ministry of Health funding or by ACC, meaning patients can be charged less.   The cost of opening our doors every day is significant and costs are constantly rising.  Some of you may recall that Masterton Medical inherited Chapel Street Family Doctors when they ceased trading.  Any surplus Masterton Medical makes gets directed back into the community to subsidise services at our Youth clinic, Marae based clinic, for community care of the older person and to support the St John Health Shuttle.

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