Lockdown Level 2 & Private Insurance Providers
Updated: Aug 12, 2020
Hello everyone,
Well we weren't expecting that emergency announcement last night and early this morning, but as I said in my last message, it's more a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' with this virus.
Two things I will cover today -
Return to Lockdown Level 2 (and Level 3 in Auckland region)
Private Insurance and ACC: Changes to our policy.
1. Return to Lockdown Level 2
During level 2 restrictions we're open for business, but it isn't the same as level 1. Below is an application of the current guidelines for our practice.
If you have had any contact with anyone from Auckland within the past 14 days, call us first before visiting the practice.
If you feel unwell, are experiencing the signs or symptoms of a cold/flu
During level 2 there may not be a waiting room facility available to use, so when you arrive please remain in your car and I will call or text you when it is time to come in. I will open and close the door for you.
You are required to wash your hands, or use the hand sanitizer on entry.
Be aware that we will be in close proximity and I will be touching you with my hands. Please call the practice mobile number if you have any questions.
2. Private Insurance Providers & ACC
In recent years there have been some changes to ACC legislation. All workers and employers in NZ pay ACC a levy each year. This is where ACC gets their money from, that they then use to subsidies accident/injury care in New Zealand. Some of these changes allow companies in New Zealand of a large enough size to choose who manages the claims of injury in their workplaces. Usually it would be ACC, in these situations it is often a private insurer.
It has always been our policy, not to deal directly with private insurance companies, or third party payers. We're here to help you with your health, not to chase up payments with 3rd parties who in many instances have a history of not paying.
In order to maintain my focus, and use the scant administrative time I have for important things I have decided to expand this to include workplace injuries where the workplace has contracted the services of a private insurer for claims management purposes.
If you have private health insurance, you may be covered for Chiropractic, maybe not. You will need to check your policy and discuss this with your provider. We will provide you with an invoice, and you can request reimbursement from your provider directly.
In short:
As of Wednesday the 12th of August, 2020 Advanced Function Chiropractic will not be accepting workplace injury claims through the ACC system for these such employers. Let us know if you're not sure whether your claim will be covered here or not and we will find out.
With our focus on injuries and who's going to pay for everything it can be easy to overlook prevention. Remember that old adage 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'. There are many things we can do in the comfort of our own homes which can help to prevent injuries. If you're tired of injuring yourself give me a call and I'll see what I can do to change that.
Thank you,
Dr. Phil