Following the recent announcement of updates to the ACC definition regulations, paramedics will be recognised as ACC treatment providers from 19 December 2024. This change will enable paramedics to be funded for work in primary care and as PRIME responders.
Paramedics will also be designated registered health professionals under the regulations. This ensures injuries arising from your treatment are covered under ACC’s treatment injury provisions.
There will be new service codes for paramedics working in general practice under the Cost of Treatment Regulations from 19 December 2024. Practice management system (PMS) vendors have been notified of the new codes and prices.
The rural general practice, Urgent Care Clinics and PRIME contracts will be updated shortly to allow paramedics to be service providers from 19 December 2024.
Paramedics working in practices that hold the ACC rural GP contract or Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) contract may register with ACC as a health provider, or they may provide services under the practice’s provider ID. Talk to your practice manager about the best option for you.
To invoice for services provided by a paramedic under these contracts, use the usual service item codes available in the contract.
What can paramedics do?
Paramedics working within their scope of practice in primary care may perform the following tasks:
Register as a health provider
Paramedics who wish to provide treatment to kiritaki (clients) with an ACC covered injury can now register with ACC as a health provider. Please note if you register before 19 December, you will be unable to invoice for services provided before 19 December.
See the ACC website for information on how to register.
Lodgement of claims
Currently, lodgement of claims is not available for paramedics in primary care. This is due to several factors, including consideration of ACC’s internal claim lodgement framework, legislative boundaries, and scope of practice. ACC is in the process of reviewing whether your profession can lodge claims. They will update you on this progress early next year. If you have any questions, please email primarycare@acc.co.nz.
Wednesday 11 December 12.30 - 1pm
This short online session will welcome you onboard and talk you through the basics of working with ACC.
The ACC team will take you through getting registered as a provider, show you the resources available for you, and let you know the best ways to get in touch and stay connected with ACC.
There will also be time for questions to make sure you have all the information you need to get going.
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