Doctors (GPs) and practice nurses who work at general practice clinics (medical centres) are generally the first people you see for medical help. They are known as primary healthcare providers. When you are referred to a hospital or specialist, this is called secondary care.

 

What are the benefits of signing up with a GP?

When you enrol with a general practice or medical centre, there is a team of people ready to help you and your whānau stay well and healthy.

It is free to enrol with a general practice.


Being enrolled with a GP practice will mean you can:

  • access healthcare for a range of health issues, including, immunisations, illnesses and injuries, as well as mental health care

  • pay less for prescriptions (free if you’re aged 13 and under)

  • get free healthcare for children aged 13 and under and reduced fees if you are a Community Service Card holder

  • receive reminders about when you are due for immunisation or cancer screening

  • be referred to specialist advice or secondary healthcare when needed.

 

Nelson and Tasman general practices

We fund Nelson Bays  Primary Health to provide primary healthcare in the Nelson and Tasman regions. 

This is also where you can find information about GP fees and the full range of services they provide.

Support to navigate primary health care

The Kaiatawhai service from Nelson Bays Primary Health can help Māori, Pacific, refugees, migrants and all other families/whānau who have a community service card access and navigate primary health care.

 

Marlborough general practices

We fund Marlborough Primary Health to provide primary care services in the Marlborough region.


Find a GP in Marlborough 

Click here to visit the Marlborough Primary Health website for a list of Marlborough general practices


This is also where you can find information about GP fees and the full range of services they provide.

 

Patient portals

Patient portals are secure websites provided by GPs, where you can access your health information and interact with your general practice. Patient portals can allow you to:

  • send and receive secure messages to your GP or a practice nurse

  • see notes from your last GP appointment

  • see your test results

  • see a list of your health conditions

  • book appointments

  • ask for repeat prescriptions

  • see your vaccination history

  • receive reminders from the practice team.

Not all GP practices offer all the services listed above. Doctors can choose which services to offer when they introduce a patient portal. Some doctors will show your complete medical record, some will show a summary of your health information and some won’t offer this service.


How do I sign up for a patient portal?

There are a number of patient portal products in New Zealand. Talk to your GP to see if they offer a patient portal. If they do, they will then get you set up with a secure username and password. 


More information

Click here to find out more about patient portals on the Healthify website