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   kiwikid  
   
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     Topic: 20 Week Scan     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 5:27am | 
 
 
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   I currently live in the UK, NZ citizen, will be home for three months soon (weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!) and during that time will be due for my 20 week scan, do I have to see a GP to get a referral for this or is it possible to ring the hospital directly and make an appointment?
 
 I dont think a MW would take me on for that period as I understand they only get paid upon baby's delivery and hopefully this pregnancy will be as uneventful as my first so a GP can handle all the basics.  However I hate the thought of paying $50 just to walk into the Drs office and get a referral for the scan LOL
    
   
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   newme  
   
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     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 7:12am | 
 
 
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   It is free for NZ citizens to see a GP in NZ for maternity care.  So I would go to GP to get the referral.
    
   
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   becsscolly  
   
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     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 11:14am | 
 
 
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   Isn't it free only for the first trimester?
    
   
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   becsscolly  
   
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     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 11:17am | 
 
 
  
   
   
   Scrap that.... 
 
"Pregnancy and childbirth services
 Care in pregnancy and childbirth is free for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, or for their partners or spouses, except for care provided by private obstetricians and at private hospitals. This care covers the diagnosis of pregnancy, antenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care and miscarriage."
 everybody.co.nz
    
   
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   clover  
   
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     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 12:23pm | 
 
 
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   I think you'd fine that if you tried to do it directly you may be able to but you wouldn't get the subsidy and would have to pay the full cost of the scan?
    
   
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   freckle  
   
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     Posted: 04 November 2010 at 1:10pm | 
 
 
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   Seeing your here for 3 months you'll probably need an AN checkup during that time to check ya BP etc... so you could just get a referral from the Dr then.... My Dr was free for pregnancy related concerns for the first trimester, I pay now, however, I would assume cos you won't have another LMC in NZ your GP would be covered...
    
   
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     mum to 3 lovely girls :D
     
   
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   kiwikid  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 2:44am | 
 
 
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   I thought that maybe there had to be something 'wrong' for the visit to be covered under pregnancy, just popping along for a referral might not fall under that?
 
 I could always say I was feeling a bit woozy and thought best to have BP checked??  Hate tempting fate like that tho LOL I guess I can just talk to the surgery when I arrive and see what the deal is.  
    
   
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   newme  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 7:34am | 
 
 
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   Definately doesn't have to be something 'wrong'.  Pregnancy is all about routine check ups so just go along.  They can't charge you for the visit if it is pregnancy related.  
 
 Freckle - I would be complaining if I were you.  They aren't allowed to charge you during pregnancy at all, if the visit is pregnancy related.
    
   
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   blondy  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 8:00am | 
 
 
  
   
   
   KK - most of the scanning in Auckland is free throughout pregnancy (whereas in other parts you often have to pay for scans    ). I believe GP visits are free in early pregnancy, and obviously when you sign up with a LMC they're free too. The only issue you might come across is because you're not signed up with a GP as your PHO (primary health organisation), if you do get charged fees, they may be higher than normal? I'm sure you could phone around GP's and see who would be willing to help.    
and......... yay!    
    
   
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   AuntieSarah  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 1:34pm | 
 
 
  
   
   
   I'm pretty sure my GP told me that preggy related appointments with her were free until I was signed up with a midwife - ie you couldn't be getting free appointments from the GP and the midwife at the same time IYKWIM    
So if you only had a GP and no midwife, presumably appointments are free. That's how I understand it anyway!
     
   
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   newme  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 2:05pm | 
 
 
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   I've been to the GP a couple of times in the 3rd trimester for preg things, and I haven't had to pay
    
   
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   clover  
   
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     Posted: 05 November 2010 at 4:24pm | 
 
 
  
   
   
   That's a point, I think you only pay for your GP visits once you've got a midwife as your LMC.  
 
I guess the answer is that none of us know    
    
   
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   Nutella  
   
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     Posted: 06 November 2010 at 1:00am | 
 
 
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   lol...sounds confusing!
    
   
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