ACC has developed a number of policies and procedures designed to ensure health service providers adopt appropriate practice methods.
How ACC works with health service providers
ACC:
- promotes current treatment protocols and guidelines
- supports evidence-based practice
- encourages providers to be informed and up-to-date with health care and professional developments
- benchmarks providers for all services
- monitors health care services
- requires clinical records of a professional standard
- assesses provider claims, both random and targeted
- investigates any concerns about the appropriate number, length, quality of, or need for, treatments
- takes legal action if claims are made for non-existent treatments
- recovers any funding for claims that are inappropriately charged for.
ACC must be satisfied that a client has Eligibility for treatment costs.
Treating yourself and your family
ACC supports the New Zealand Medical Association’s 1994 resolution that it is not good clinical practice for treatment providers to treat themselves or their close family members in any but minor and emergency health matters.
The NZMA also resolved that it was not recommended, accepted or ethical for a medical practitioner to claim payment from an external funder when they are treating themselves or an immediate family member. ACC considers paying for these services only in exceptional circumstances.
This position has been endorsed in the Medical Council of New Zealand’s ‘Statement of self care and family care’ 2001. The Council recognises that there are some situations where family treatment may take place, but maintains this should only happen when the overall management of patient care is being monitored by the family’s GP.
ACC regards the position of the NZMA and the Medical Council regarding self and family treatment applicable to all treatment providers.
For more information on appropriate practice and exceptions for health providers refer to Contracts and performance.
Last updated: 20 February 2009