Acute declined referrals service (POAC)

All Pinnacle practices in Waikato region can claim for this service.  

• Patients domiciled in Te Whatu Ora Waikato area.  
• Patients where an acute admission has been considered by a GP, and after discussion with the relevant SMO, a management plan to avoid admission has been instigated.
• These consultations can be virtual. 

Exclusion criteria to access POAC funding should not preclude emergency treatment of any medical conditions. 

Patients not domiciled in Te Whatu Ora Waikato area.  

• Once the episode of care is completed and the patient is no longer acutely unwell, they exit the POAC programme.  
• Once the patient exits the POAC programme, the case requires a clinical outcome to be lodged. No payment can be made for any claims unless the outcome is completed.
• Where treatment in the community is no longer clinically appropriate, the patient may be admitted to hospital during a POAC plan of care. Please indicate this in the clinical outcome.  

The initial 15-minute GP/NP consultation incurs the usual consultation fee paid by the patient. All POAC services thereafter are provided at no cost to the patient. If the claim is unable to be funded by POAC, the patient may be liable to the practice for the fees incurred. 

Prices listed below are GST inclusive. 

GP extended consultation: $79  
This can be claimed once to cover an additional 15 minutes of GP time discussing the case with the SMO. 

Acute declined follow up consult: $126  
Up to two follow up consultations are funded to implement and evaluate the plan of care. 

Claims must be accompanied by documentation of the discussion with the SMO and the management advice. 

Practices are required to provide sufficiently detailed consultation notes to determine appropriate use of POAC funding otherwise the referral may be declined.   

It has been recommended that in addition to a good assessment and history, the full range of appropriate observations should be documented, especially where the diagnosis is undetermined. It is important to state the time of consultations and interactions with the patient.  

Claims must be accompanied by documentation of the discussion with the SMO and the management advice. 

The initial 15-minute GP/NP consultation incurs the usual consultation fee paid by the patient. All POAC services thereafter are provided at no cost to the patient.  

The service is funded by Te Whatu Ora Waikato.