Medical centres offer insurance

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 38

Medical centres offer insurance

PA • Auckland Two Auckland medical clinics have combined to offer medical insurance to patients. Subscribers will be seen free at any of Central Medical’s New Lynn, Otahuhu and Royal Oak primary health clinics and at Mr Henry Glennie’s soon-to-open practices in Henderson, Herne Bay, Mairangi Bay, New Lynn, Otara and Pakuranga. Mr Glennie said by uniting the general practices a medical insurance plan, likely to be $l2O a year, should attract most people living in Auckland.

For many, such as asthmatics or diabetics, it would be of financial gain and for others who rarely visited the doctor, it would provide flexibility and peace of mind.

The scheme was the first of its kind in New

Zealand, but was similar to the “preferred provider” plan in the United States, Mr Glennie said.

Dr Rhys Cullen, Central Medical’s medical director, said medical insurance at general practitioner level would benefit those who did not have the cash to visit their doctor.

“It also gives us a big incentive to keep our patients well,” he said.

Mr Glennie, who set up the Auckland Accident and Emergency Clinic, said the quality of patient care at Dr Cullen’s surgeries and at his own general practices could not be faulted. It was cheap but comprehensive.

Central Medical charges adults $2O a consultation and pensioners $l2. Children are free. Mr Glennie’s charges will be $l2 for adults, pensioners $8 and children $6.