Planned care
Planned care services are medical and surgical care for people who do not need to be treated right away.
About planned care
Planned care is treatment funded by the public for conditions that do not need treating right away. It can be delivered in:
- hospitals
- community settings
- primary care.
How the planned care process works
If you have a condition that you think may need treatment, you should see your healthcare provider. They will assesses your condition and decide if you need referring to a specialist. You should find out whether you will receive specialist treatment within 15 working days.
If you do not need to see a specialist
If you do not need a referral, your healthcare provider will continue to care for you. If your condition gets worse, you should visit your healthcare provider for reassessment. You may be referred for specialist advice.
If your condition suddenly gets worse, you may be admitted to hospital straight away for treatment.
If you need to see a specialist
Referral
Your healthcare provider will refer you.
Referral
Your healthcare provider will refer you.
Assessment
The specialist will assess your condition and decide on the best treatment.
Assessment
The specialist will assess your condition and decide on the best treatment.
Priority score
The specialist will give you a priority score based on your level of need and ability to benefit from treatment compared to other people.
Priority score
The specialist will give you a priority score based on your level of need and ability to benefit from treatment compared to other people.
Outcome
You will either receive specialist treatment within 4 months, be reassessed in 6 months, or sent back to your healthcare provider for treatment.
If you do receive specialist treatment, your healthcare provider will take care of you once your treatment is complete. They will be told the results of any tests you have.
Outcome
You will either receive specialist treatment within 4 months, be reassessed in 6 months, or sent back to your healthcare provider for treatment.
If you do receive specialist treatment, your healthcare provider will take care of you once your treatment is complete. They will be told the results of any tests you have.
If you do not agree with a decision
If you do not agree with a decision that you will not get publicly funded treatment, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
They will explain why the decision has been made and what options are available to you. Options could include:
- a referral to a private specialist for assessment or treatment
- clinical review of your condition — this could be by the original specialist or by another clinician.
Make a complaint
Under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, you have the right to be treated fairly, consistently, and to an appropriate standard.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly, or wish to make a complaint, you have rights under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
Information about how to make a complaint is available on the Health and Disability Commissioner's website.