Healthcare coverage in new zealand Stefani Fontana

New Zealand New Zealand is made up of 2 islands Population: 4,780,340 North island (Te Ika-a-Māui) 43,911 sq mi South island (Te Waipounamu) 58,084 sq mi Considered by geologists to meet the requirements to be the 8th continent Population: 4,780,340 Official Languages English Maori

NZ History Settled by Eastern Polynesians in 1250-1300 European explorers: Dutch explorer Abel Tasman found it in 1642 British: Captain James Cook 1769 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between representative of British Crown and the Maori chiefs Recognized British sovereignty over NZ Protected Maori land, gave Maori rights of British subjects 1852 officially became a the Colony of New Zealand with representation in Parliament New Zealand Wars in 1860’s-1870’s resulting in loss of Maori land to immigrating Europeans 1894 First country to give women the right to vote 1960’s-70’s lots of breaches of Treaty of Waitangi became evident – establishment of Waitangi Tribunal to investigate breaches – much of it due to problems with translation and misinterpretation 1974 Waitangi Day became a national holiday, February 6th the day they signed the Treaty Maori Language Act of 1987 made Maori one of the official languages

Auckland city hospital 4 weeks at the Auckland City Hospital Faculty and staff were super friendly and welcoming Wonderful teaching Outstanding team work between doctors, nurses and techs Well defined roles for each team member helps prevent controversy These roles have been practiced and are outlined clearly for each member

Healthcare coverage in new zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Government provided healthcare Private Insurance

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) No-fault medical insurance Any trauma/accident that requires medical care can be paid for through ACC Funded by the government Money comes from personal taxes and employers Amount paid bye employers has to do with the risk of the jobs, can be reduced by taking action to make jobs safer Auto coverage is included in petroleum tax

ACC: what it covers Payment for all hospital-related costs Initial ER visit Urgent/emergent surgery Follow-up/revision surgeries Payment for costs associated with recovery Physical therapy Occupational therapy Medical devices required to return to function

What acc does not do Primary care visit coverage Most people pay this out of pocket Some people have private insurance for this purpose Dental and optical coverage Dental only if it’s an emergency, but regular check ups and cleanings as well as regular visits to optometrist and eye wear are not covered by ACC Again, some people have private insurance coverage for this

Private insurance Many people have private insurance This allows them to choose which hospital and which surgeon does their procedures On ACC they would have to go with whoever was available Choose when an elective procedure is done – can have it done in a more timely/convenient manner With ACC they would have to do it when the surgeon has time, rather than selecting when they have the procedure done Have help paying for dental and eye care They can still Utilize ACC when trauma occurs and emergent/urgen surgeries/care is needed

Cultural effects of ACC Providers have less fear of malpractice law suits Because patients can get healthcare without waiting to prove fault, they have less desire to sue doctors Lower malpractice insurance Overall less need for defensive medicine Patients seem grateful for their healthcare coverage since they don’t pay for it out of pocket They are less likely to complain about minor inconveniences having to do with medical care Seem more respectful of doctors, rather than treating them like an employee