How general practice is funded in New Zealand depends upon an answer to the question “This week or next?”! General practice, and primary healthcare generally, is currently undergoing a revolution greater than anything since the early 1940s, when government funding of general practitioners was introduced. GPs then successfully argued for the “sacred” right to charge a fee commensurate with their services, making them unique compared with similar countries, including Australia. Substantial patient copayments resulted, rising at times to more than 80% of practice income.
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I am grateful for comments on an earlier draft of this article from the Chairman of the NZMA, the CEO of the RNZCGP, staff of the Ministry of Health and two reviewers.