Enrolling at a general practice

WellSouth PHO has a network that includes general practices across Otago and Southland.

When you enrol with one of our general practices you are automatically enrolled with WellSouth. This means that we will subsidise your visits to that general practice, and you will have access to a range of programmes and services.

It’s important to enrol with a general practice before you become unwell. Enrolling is free. 

Here are some useful questions and answers

Why should I enrol?

It’s important to enrol with a general practice before you become unwell. By enrolling with a general practice you and your whānau will have access to our WellSouth range of services as well as from the practice. Enrolling is free and voluntary. It's important you find a general practice you feel comfortable with, so it's fine to visit a few before you decide. View the benefits below.

Am I eligible to enrol?

Any person who is eligible for publicly funded health services can choose to enrol. Check eligibility here Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Patients should contact their general practice and complete their specific enrolment form/process. WellSouth does not enrol patients.

How do I enrol?

Enrolling is easy, just fill in a form at your general practice of choice. The reception staff will help you if you need it. Caregivers can enrol their children under 16, but anyone over 16 needs to sign their own form. 
Find a local general practice using www.healthpoint.co.nz

What if I'm not enrolled and get sick?

It’s important to enrol with a general practice before you become unwell. If you choose not to enrol or haven't enrolled yet, you can still receive care, but you will pay more and may not have access to a full range of services. 

What happens if I go to another practice?

You can attend another practice or completely change your enrolment at any time. If you are enrolled at one practice and visit another as a casual patient, you will pay a higher fee for that casual visit. 

What happens if my general practice changes to a new PHO?

Your practice will let you know and explain if there will be any changes. 

What is a PHO?

Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) fund, deliver, and coordinate primary healthcare services such as general practices, pharmacies, and hauora health providers. PHOs receive government funding based on the characteristics of the people enrolled (such as age, gender, and location). If you live in Otago or Southland, WellSouth will likely be your PHO. You can find out more about WellSouth and the role of PHOs at About Us » WellSouth

What is a general practice? 

A general practice is a health centre where you can see a member of the care team. They provide check-ups, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions, immunisations and screening, wellbeing support, and referral to hospitals and specialists. 

Benefits of enrolling with a general practice

  • Better access to health advice and care

  • A relationship with a health team that knows you and your needs

  • Cheaper visits with general or nurse practitioners (free for under 14s)

  • Cheaper prescriptions (free for under 14s)

  • More support with health conditions, including long-term conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure

  • Access to screening programmes you may be entitled to – such as bowel cancer screening and more – and healthy lifestyle advice, including support to help you quit smoking

  • Ongoing vaccination programmes

Contact us:

Want to know more? Call us at 0800 478 256.