Medical Certificates

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31658, 19 April 1968, Page 12

Medical Certificates

Sir,—Now that the new licensing period is near, the time is opportune to suggest some consideration for the over-70s in the price charged by doctors for their medical certificates. For the few minutes it takes, half the usual consultation fee should suffice. Last year 1 was charged 15s, whereas the same doctor charges only 12s 6d for a consultation. As most in this age group are social security beneficiaries, this charge seems out of all proportion to the time taken and some relief would be appreciated.—Yours, etc., OVER 70. April 9. 1968. [The press liaison officer of the Canterbury division of the Medical Association of New Zealand (Dr J. M. Louisson) replies: “I would like

first to clarify the amount of the fees in the two cases quoted. When ‘Over 70’ says his doctor charged 15s for examining him and for giving a medical certificate for a licence, it should be clear that this is the total fee, as the doctor is not permitted to claim 7s 6d on behalf of the patient. However, when his doctor charged 12s 6d for a consultation, the total fee collected by the doctor, including the 7s 6d social security, was £l. It is now clear that a reduction in fee was made and this was probably because of the nature of the examination and because people in this group are social security beneficiaries. I would also like to say that the fees quoted are in line with fees generally charged throughout the country, but that if ‘Over 70’ feels there is a question of hardship, he should discuss the matter with his doctor."! Community Nurses Sir, —“Undecided Nurses” (April 10) either expect V.I.P. treatment or are totally unenthusiastic about our profession. We feel that this ‘‘tidy sum,” as they put it, is well worth spending to become members of the profession we respect and are proud of. For many years hose wishing to become teachers have had to pay the full cost of their examinations. Therefore this move only brings us to their unfortunate state. As we are now on penal rates we cannot expect the Government to continue to subsidise our costs. Let them leave. If they allow such a small matter to upset their careers they cannot be worth much.—Yours, etc., DECIDED NURSES. April 13, 1968.