ruthyroo
6th December 2005, 02:18 PM
Just a 'how to' note for any residents / 3yr WP people who have accidents in NZ...
I moved to Dunedin this weekend and was in the city for less than 24 hours before falling over a kerb and breaking two fingers - and due to start a new job the next day... These experiences might be relevant only for Dunedin, but it might help somone out in the future.
First stop - not A&E but the Emergency Medical Clinic. Only real emergencies are meant to go direct to the hospital / A&E - heart attacks etc. At the clinic, I was assessed by a doctor and X-rays were taken. The assessment was that the fingers were broken and I would need to head for the hospital for further assessment and plastering. All my details were taken by the receptionist and doctor for ACC (Accident Compensation). I didn't have to pay for anything upfront. Doctor issued me with an ACC certificate (very important document!) for up to 14 days off work due to injury - which can be reviewed and extended depending how I recover.
2nd stop - A&E via a handy ambulance clutching my x-rays and files. Waited for 1 hour and eventually seen by doctor and duly plastered. Told to attend fracture clinic in one week. Just as busy / understaffed as any NHS hospital...
3rd stop - fracture clinic as many times as necessary. Just as busy / understaffed as any NHS medical clinic...
ACC is basically a medical insurance scheme available to all NZ residents. They pay the clinics / hospitals a capped amount towards the costs of your treatment and you have to pay the extra. X-rays are covered, and part of the consultation cost - I received a bill for $43 later in the week from the Emergency Medical Clinic for the consultation. ACC also agreed to cover up to 80% of my typical weekly wages if I have no / limited sick pay from my employer. They also contacted me to see if I need any help at home or getting around (which I don't really - I don't think flat hair from one handed drying would qualify for any assistance!).
So it's been pretty straightforward - but the key thing to remember is that ACC will only cover you for ACCIDENTS only - not illnesses or chronic conditions etc. They were very keen to establish exactly how I injured myself - which was pretty straight forward in my case.
Hope that helps
R
I moved to Dunedin this weekend and was in the city for less than 24 hours before falling over a kerb and breaking two fingers - and due to start a new job the next day... These experiences might be relevant only for Dunedin, but it might help somone out in the future.
First stop - not A&E but the Emergency Medical Clinic. Only real emergencies are meant to go direct to the hospital / A&E - heart attacks etc. At the clinic, I was assessed by a doctor and X-rays were taken. The assessment was that the fingers were broken and I would need to head for the hospital for further assessment and plastering. All my details were taken by the receptionist and doctor for ACC (Accident Compensation). I didn't have to pay for anything upfront. Doctor issued me with an ACC certificate (very important document!) for up to 14 days off work due to injury - which can be reviewed and extended depending how I recover.
2nd stop - A&E via a handy ambulance clutching my x-rays and files. Waited for 1 hour and eventually seen by doctor and duly plastered. Told to attend fracture clinic in one week. Just as busy / understaffed as any NHS hospital...
3rd stop - fracture clinic as many times as necessary. Just as busy / understaffed as any NHS medical clinic...
ACC is basically a medical insurance scheme available to all NZ residents. They pay the clinics / hospitals a capped amount towards the costs of your treatment and you have to pay the extra. X-rays are covered, and part of the consultation cost - I received a bill for $43 later in the week from the Emergency Medical Clinic for the consultation. ACC also agreed to cover up to 80% of my typical weekly wages if I have no / limited sick pay from my employer. They also contacted me to see if I need any help at home or getting around (which I don't really - I don't think flat hair from one handed drying would qualify for any assistance!).
So it's been pretty straightforward - but the key thing to remember is that ACC will only cover you for ACCIDENTS only - not illnesses or chronic conditions etc. They were very keen to establish exactly how I injured myself - which was pretty straight forward in my case.
Hope that helps
R