Going to the doctor's...

[MementoMori]

Hi there, bit of a weird set of questions but got to ask someone I guess.

Does it cost anything to register with a doctor?

Also, how much does your average session cost?

Do you have to pay for your medication?

Is going to the doctor's generally quite expensive?

I'm just used to the NHS and haven't had the need for a doctor over here until now so know nothing about it, and would like to have a clue before I go in as I'm currently fairly broke.

Thank yoooou!! :)

[yod]

Doesnt cost to register (normally)
Average consultation I guess $30-$60 (depends what its about and whether it is after hours etc)
Some prescriptions are subsidised to varying degrees so it depends what it is you get but you could be up for $10-$25 for just day-to-day medications

this is all without a community services card - which would entitle you to discounts, student ID will also get you discounts....

this is just from my experience in palmy over the last 4 years

hope that helps

edit: dont be shy, give them a ring and ask, i'm sure you wont be the first person to inquire about costs

[cynna]

i think it depends on your age, if its acc related, if its your dr that u r are registered with

if u have a community service card its cheaper

i went on the weekend to the after hours clinic with an injury covered by acc and this is what it cost
55 to see dr -acc after hours
23 xray
16 painkiller prescription

have to go back tomorrow for another prescription. i think it will cost another 20 to see the dr (since its acc)

thats for a 33 year old with no community service card. i dont normally bother going but since its so exspensive but if you are worried about your health dont let the cost put you off....

[NighthawkNZ]

I haven't visited the doctors for a while... but the last visit cost me $45 (I don't have a community services card or anything either)

[Nasty]

Does it cost anything to register with a doctor?
No it doesn't. The problem currently is to find one that is able to take on another paitient.


Also, how much does your average session cost?
This depends on what level of subsidy you are getting. As a 35 yo I am paying around $32 with the new subsidies that came in ... Grub pays around the same at his age.



Do you have to pay for your medication?
Again the subsidy thing. Some drugs are subsidised and some are not. It generally costs from $3 - $15 per drug


Is going to the doctor's generally quite expensive?
Again Subsidy dependant ... but prior to my subsidy kicking in my costs were $60 for 15 minutes

The best thing to do is go to the local doctors and have a chat with the practice manager .. they have a huge amount of information.

Cheers

[Pumba]

I wentto the doctors recently to get medical cert signed off. After he told me I was overweight and unfit (yea thanks like I didnt already know that :sherlock:) he charged me $56.00 for the privlage.

Dont hesitate in getting a comunity services card if you are eligable, I have meet a number of people that seem to proud to get one, the make things a shit load cheaper.

[cowboyz]

ever notice that you take your bike in to be fixed, they fix it and you pay the bill. Then you find out they didnt get it right so you take it back and they fix it up for no extra cost.


Go to the doctor and pay $45 for an opinion and then get told if it doesnt come right then come back again. When you go back they charge you another $45.

I avoid doctors like crazy. Needs to be very very serious for me to wander off to the doctor on my own. Last time I took the kid in I was coughing and the doctor asked if I wanted to be looked at as well. I told him to fuck off as he was too expensive. I dont need to pay $45 to be told to take it easy and drink lots of water.


/end rant.........

[MementoMori]

Cheers for the replies everyone!!

Had a look into those cards and seems I can get one, so might be an idea to go for one of those.

For now though, I think I'll be giving the doctor's a miss. Wasn't that important anyway!

And I've got better things to spend my money on... like petrol, and a new chain, and some chain lube, and some savings towards a new rear tyre, a new fan switch, something else I'm trying to pretend's not really broke etc ad nauseum. :thud:

[Dilligaf]

Can I just add that in fact registering with a dr makes your visit cheaper. The government is trying to encourage care of people by one dr (and after hours consult notes get sent there). Prices admittedly aren't much cheaper but hey, every bit counts right?
Also worth asking the doctor as they are writing the script (if you do get prescribed something), to ask if there is a generic equivalent for cheaper.

[fireball]

my last doc visit cost me
$28 for consult
$9 for 3 lots of meds
and the more expensive (but free thank god) ultra sound and various scans to come

if not registered the doc would have cost $50

[rainman]

I avoid doctors unless there's a bloody good reason for going to see them. They keep trying to sell me more drugs!

[cynna]

have to go back tomorrow for another prescription. i think it will cost another 20 to see the dr (since its acc)
.


yep was $20and have to go back on monday if im no better for another $20...... i didnt even get more drugs

[Finn]

Hi there, bit of a weird set of questions but got to ask someone I guess.

Does it cost anything to register with a doctor?

Also, how much does your average session cost?

Do you have to pay for your medication?

Is going to the doctor's generally quite expensive?

I'm just used to the NHS and haven't had the need for a doctor over here until now so know nothing about it, and would like to have a clue before I go in as I'm currently fairly broke.

Thank yoooou!! :)

Thank you. I haven't laughed so hard in a while. Green bling for you.