Primary Options for Acute Care (POAC)
POAC is a service allowing doctors to access investigations, care, or treatment for their patient, as an alternative to an acute hospital admission.
This is a solution offered by Primary Care to assist in managing the acute demand for hospital beds in the Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitemata District Health Board regions.
For more information and details on how to refer click here
This is a solution offered by Primary Care to assist in managing the acute demand for hospital beds in the Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitemata District Health Board regions.
For more information and details on how to refer click here
Who is eligible?
The following patients are eligible for POAC funding:
- Patients who would otherwise require an acute hospital referral
- Patients who reside within the Counties Manukau, Auckland or Waitemata DHB area. This includes those who are on holiday or have temporary residence with friends/family in these regions
- NZ Citizens, including visitors from UK and Australia (refer to the MOH eligibility criteria online or in this manual)
- Patients whose safety is not compromised (if in any doubt over safety of treatment, always refer to the Clinical Director, Medical Registrar or Consultant for advice)
- Patients whose treatment is not covered by another funding stream such as ACC or Maternity (with exception of Hyperemesis treatment)
Services Available
A range of community diagnostic, therapeutic and logistic services are provided at no cost (except the initial GP consultation) to the patient. These include:
- Diagnostic procedures e.g. X-Ray, Ultrasound, ECG, urgent blood
- Extended services within the GP’s Surgery
- Incision and Drainage (where hospital referral otherwise required)
- GP or Nurse Home Visits
- Referral to Accident and Medical Centre
- Home Nursing, Home Help, Meals on Wheels and Equipment Hire
- Intravenous therapy (antibiotics/fluids)
- Transport to and from Primary Care locations
- Rest Home or Private Hospital Care
- Early discharge from hospital into the community
POAC Electronic Claiming
If you are not currently set up for referring electronically and would like to find out more, please click on the link below to email us and we will be in touch.
Yes, please set me up for electronic claiming
Yes, please set me up for electronic claiming
IV Cannulation Education
Do you have patients that need IV infusions? Do you avoid cannulating because you have never done it or are out of practice?
Total Care Health Services Limited has developed a course that is aimed at teaching community nurses cannulation and IV administration. The aim is to teach you the skills you need to be able to cannulate safely and effectively.
It is a practically focussed, relaxed and fun course that will enable and motivate you to join the growing number of nurses that are cannulating in the community.
Courses are delivered monthly with day or evening options held at various locations. For more information and to register www.totalcarehealth.co.nz or call 09 630 1630
Total Care Health Services Limited has developed a course that is aimed at teaching community nurses cannulation and IV administration. The aim is to teach you the skills you need to be able to cannulate safely and effectively.
It is a practically focussed, relaxed and fun course that will enable and motivate you to join the growing number of nurses that are cannulating in the community.
Courses are delivered monthly with day or evening options held at various locations. For more information and to register www.totalcarehealth.co.nz or call 09 630 1630