The Difference
Why We Chose to Be Different
The GP is a fully independent private primary care practice in Hastings.
We have deliberately chosen not to affiliate with any Primary Health Organisation (PHO).
Understanding New Zealand’s General Practice Funding Model
Most New Zealand general practices are affiliated with a PHO and receive capitation funding — a regular payment from Health New Zealand based on the number and characteristics of their enrolled patients. This funding is provided regardless of whether patients attend appointments. As a result, consultation fees in traditional practices only cover part of the overall income.
We have chosen a different path. By remaining fully independent and outside the PHO system, we do not receive any capitation funding. Every service we provide is funded directly through our fees. This gives us the freedom to structure our practice around longer appointments and personalised care.
The Advantages of Our Independent Model
This independence offers several benefits:
For our patients
Significantly more time in each consultation for thorough and unhurried care
Greater flexibility — no enrolment is required
Access to extended consultations and a focused range of in-house services and therapies
Care that is thoughtfully personalised to your individual needs and health goals
Transparent fees that reflect the time and quality of service provided
For clinical care
Professional freedom to offer longer appointments, such as our signature 60-minute consultations
Greater ability to focus on what best serves your health without external funding constraints
We maintain the high professional standards required by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
A strong emphasis on clinical quality and attentive patient experience
We are happy to collaborate with your enrolled GP or practice whenever referrals or shared care are needed.
How Our Appointments Work
We start with a 60-minute initial consultation. This gives us enough time to carefully understand your health goals and create a personalised plan together.
After the initial consultation we will discuss the best next steps. This may include:
Further investigations or referrals
Follow-up appointments
In-house therapies (such as acupuncture, cupping, TENS, massage gun, or compression) offered at additional cost
All additional services are optional and quoted clearly in advance. There is never any pressure to proceed with extra treatments.
This approach allows us to focus on quality and thoroughness rather than rushing through short appointments.
At The GP, we aim to provide high-quality primary care with the time, independence and attention that this model makes possible.
