WHAT IS PROCARE
ProCare is an Independent Practitioners' Association (IPA). IPA was set up by general practitioners in the mid- 1990s to encourage better communication between GPs and health authorities with the view that GPs could be more effective working together in groups than individually.

With over 400 GP members representing about 220 medical practices, ProCare is one of New Zealand's largest IPAs, looking after the health needs of almost 600,000 Aucklanders. It is actually a combination of four individual IPA groups - two in South Auckland, one in Central Auckland and one covering the North and West - corresponding to the areas covered by Auckland's three district health boards.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
ProCare has contracts with the region's three district health boards to deliver community health services which support national health strategies and ease the pressure on hospitals. For example, ProCare doctors worked with a support team to research international literature and pool local experience to develop prescribing guidelines, which set out the most effective and cost- efficient way to treat most common conditions. The guidelines are continually reviewed and changed, as more effective new drugs and treatments become available. This "world-class, best-practice" philosophy means ProCare doctors have saved many millions of dollars in drug costs over recent years, while ensuring better health outcomes for their patients.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
ProCare's doctors work together in their local areas - often in conjunction with hospital and other specialists - to address local health issues, encourage healthy lifestyles, keep people well, detect and treat early signs of illness before they become serious and help people with chronic illnesses manage better so they don't need hospital services so often.

ProCare is responsive to community needs through consultation with local iwi, Pacific Island groups and community representatives.

The organisation is supported by a full-time management office, which coordinates relationships with district health boards and other health providers. The support team includes business and project managers, information technology specialists, clinicians, specialist nurses and pharmacists, who all help develop and implement activities in conjunction with the GPs and their practice staff. The organisation also conducts continuing medical education to keep its members up to date and ensure a high-quality service.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT PROCARE GPs?
Any GP in Auckland can apply to join ProCare, but a rigorous screening process is involved. Importantly, members must he committed to ProCare's philosophy of quality and continuous improvement, and be willing to help themselves and others to learn by seeking advice and sharing knowledge and experience with their peers. Members are also required to regularly attend ProCare training meetings and participate in providing ProCare programmes to their patients. Currently, nearly half of all GPs in the Auckland area are members of ProCare.

HELP WITH MENTAL OR BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
It is often difficult to obtain professional help in the critical early stages of emotional problems, yet with early intervention, these can usually be quickly and easily treated. Now you can talk to your ProCare GP about any mental health concerns, and receive a subsidised first consultation and, if required, a referral can be made to a trained clinical psychologist to discuss potential treatment options. Patients are offered individually tailored flexible payment arrangements, including assistance in accessing other sources of public health funding that may be available to them.

FREE ANNUAL CHECK-UP FOR DIABETICS
Patients with diagnosed diabetes can receive a free annual diabetes-related health check from their ProCare GP, to review their on-going health management programme.

TAKE HEART
Tiredness. breathlessness and swollen legs significantly affect the quality of life for heart patients. ProCare's Heart Care Service, in conjunction with Auckland District Health Board, helps patients with heart failure understand and rnake the rnost of living with their condition. Talk to your ProCare GP.

FREE PRE-WINTER'FLU VACCINATIONS
Until the end of June, free flu vaccinations are available to everyone over the age of 65 and for people with certain on-going illnesses that may put them at risk if they get the 'flu such as heart, respiratory or kidney diseases, diabetes, cancers, HIV or other imrnuno- suppressed conditions. lmmunisation is a good idea for all adults, but there is a charge for non- subsidised patients. Ask your ProCare practice nurse about your eligibility.

FAST, INEXPENSIVE MINOR SURGERY
Many ProCare GPs provide in-practice surgical procedures to avoid hospital waiting lists or expensive specialist appointments. Most skin cancers and lesions can be removed and various other procedures can be undertaken. If your own GP doesn't do this work, systems are in place for you to be referred to another ProCare GP to receive this service.

BREAST HEALTH SCREENING
Regular check-ups are the best protection against breast cancer, which can affect 1 in 10 women at some point in their life. ProCare's Breast Health programme is recommended for all women aged over 40 years. Best results are achieved by a clinical examination by your GR followed by mammography when appropriate. Mammograms are provided free to women aged 50-64 and are subsidised for others.

24-HOUR MEDICAL ACCESS
What do you do when you need medical advice or assistance in the middle of the night, or on a public holiday? Just phone your ProCare GP practice. All ProCare doctors have arrangements in place to provide medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. And no matter how small your problem may be, don't worry about calling in the middle of the night, because our people are there, just waiting to take your call. You won't wake anyone up.

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A COMMUNITY SERVICES CARD?
WINZ has recently raised the earnings threshold for low and rniddle-incorne earners to quality for a Community Services Card. The card significantly reduces the cost of your GP visits and most prescriptions. The new threshold levels for total combined pre-tax income are:

• Single person sharing accommodation 18,924
• Single person living alone 20,047
• Couple or 2-person family living together 29,933
• 3-person family 34,866
• 4-person family 39,800
• 5-person family 44,735

CHILD HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION
Immunisation of young children against infectious diseases is highly recommended and in most cases is free. Your GP team can provide you with full details about the benefits of immunisation and the recommended schedule of inoculations. All ProCare GPs provide either free or subsidised medical consultations for all children under the age of 6 years.

CARE THAT IS CULTURALLY AWARE
ProCare doctors are well aware of cultural sensitivities that may exist in treating patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds. In particular, ProCare practice teams have invested considerable time in learning and understanding the cultural beliefs of Maori and Pacific people, guided by special ProCare advisory committees which work with leaders of these communities to ensure their needs are recognised and met.