Epistaxis (POAC)

All Pinnacle practices in Waikato region can claim for this service. 

Epistaxis that can be safely managed in the community.  

Any patient with severe epistaxis and haemodynamic instability. The pre-hospital treatment that has been provided cannot be funded by POAC, as admission to hospital is inevitable. 

Exclusion criteria to access POAC funding should not preclude emergency treatment of any medical conditions. 

The initial 15-minute GP/NP consultation incurs the usual consultation fee paid by the patient. All POAC services thereafter are provided at no cost to the patient. If the claim is unable to be funded by POAC, the patient may be liable to the practice for the fees incurred. 

Please make your claim via Primary Options, select Epistaxis and then attach the appropriate invoice(s).

Prices listed below are GST inclusive.

Practice observations: $1.03 per minute  
Practice observations (for management of epistaxis with nasal tampon or cautery) - maximum of 1 hour (based on treatment provided as evidenced in clinical notes). 

In-clinic observations can be claimed based on 3x10 minute baseline observations per hour. Practice observations can only be claimed at the time of the initial consult.  

Practices are required to provide sufficiently detailed consultation notes to determine appropriate use of POAC funding otherwise the referral may be declined.   

It has been recommended that in addition to a good assessment and history, the full range of appropriate observations should be documented, especially where the diagnosis is undetermined. It is important to state the time of consultations and interactions with the patient.

The initial 15-minute GP/NP consultation incurs the usual consultation fee paid by the patient. All POAC services thereafter are provided at no cost to the patient. 

The service is funded by Te Whatu Ora.