Tuesday Pānui 10 June 2025

In today’s Pānui	Medtech Next Release Funding uplift and PSAAP Negotiations Practice Plus Comms for Matariki AI use in Primary Care
Medtech Next Release	A reminder to Medtech Practices that Medtech Evolution Version 8.0 will be released shortly and contacts a number of clinical changes and updates.  elink.clickdimensions.com/m/1/14497908/02-b25157-88ddcc9d89994e4c8ceedfdd1aafee91/3/23/0563bbd4-6b5d-4436-b6ae-02305cf97f25 Note that you must be on a minimum version of 7.5 Build 18.  It is important to update when the released is published. Any questions about this, please contact shannon@aucklandpho.co.nz
Funding uplift and PSAAP Negotiations	Negotiations on the Health New Zealand funding uplift have commenced (you may have seen the document that was leaked to New Zealand Doctor yesterday) despite the information being embargoed. The Contractor Provider Caucus (GenPro, RNZCGP, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, PHO representing practices and Māori Providers) have met to discuss the funding allocations, which are more than expected. If you would like to see and provide feedback on the funding allocation proposal, please contact your representative or barbara@aucklandpho.co.nz In summary, on the table is: 6.43% increase to all immunisations (except for COVID-19, Zoster and flu) Flu/COVID-19  = $37.50 Childhood immunisation  = $46.36 Co-administration fee $20.52 (one co-administration fee for each additional immunisation  administered at a single visit Copayments – 3% CSC increase to $20.00 and $30.50 for VLCA enrolled patient without a CSC 3% increase to copayment rate capped before fees review – from $65 to $67 Enhanced capitation ($60m) contingent on data sharing agreement (at this stage, unsure of the requirements for this) Performance Payment for 6-week immunisation rates at 3 months.  Target dependant on current immunisation rate – full payment at 90% and part payment for 10% improvement SLM performance payment for 24-month immunisation – 25% at risk (not 75% as originally asked for by HNZ) Rural funding – needing clarification of base funding The PSAAP meeting Is Tuesday 17 June where negotiations will take place. Overall, (by all parties)  there is general agreement that the 9.1% overall increase is acceptable.
Practice Plus Comms for Matariki	Information flyers for patients to access Practice Plus during the Matariki holiday – Friday 20 June 2025 can be accessed from our website: Resource Library | Auckland PHO Password to access the Resource Library: aucklandpho
AI use in Primary Care	Generative AI (GenAI) is increasingly being adopted in many general practices across the country, and while it may have benefits, it also raises medicolegal and ethical considerations, particularly around accuracy and error monitoring, informed consent and transparency, bias, and fairness in AI-generated content.  Data privacy, security, and third-party access are also areas that must be taken into account. Auckland PHO recommends a cautious, phased approach to implementation. As previously communicated in January 2025, GPNZ have put together an AI Working Group; “A collaborative group of people from across multiple primary care organisations, supported by IT experts CIO Studio, are working together to support the evolution of AI in primary care…” They have put a road map together of the engagement they will be doing and then roll out of AI guidance and training for primary care as linked here: Roadmap - AI in Primary Care GPNZ’s web page; AI in primary care group, regarding this working group, in the interim, has compiled all webinars and resources related to AI use in primary care. These resources include implementation guide by WellSouth PHO, privacy and consent templates, training modules, and resources to help practices navigate the evolving AI landscape responsibly. (We acknowledge and thank WellSouth PHO for making this resource available to support understanding and use of generative AI by primary care providers.  Pinnacle PHO also have helpful resources to refer to: link Note that Auckland PHO has not had this third-party peer reviewed. Thus, it is recommended that you discuss with your Medico-legal Indemnity Insurer, prior to commencement of utilising an AI tool in practice. Next Steps: To better understand current usage and support needs, we’re inviting Auckland PHO GPs and NPs to complete a brief survey. (The link to this survey will be communicated out in due course). This will help us identify the AI tools currently in use across Auckland PHO practices and assess the level of support required. We are particularly mindful of the importance of data security, third-party access, and storage in ensuring safe AI use. Following the survey we will host an on-line session, and invite Subject Matter Experts to discuss the implications of AI in primary care and share insights from across the sector. Collaborative Aotearoa is also hosting a webinar: AI in Action webinar: Reflections from Hendrix Health and Heidi Health Roadshow | 23 June 7.00pm-8.00pm. Register here. Auckland PHO is creating an area on the website specifically for AI resources and webinars and the link will be sent soon.

Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae/CEO