FAQs
Accessibility
Is the clinic open on Saturday?
Yes, South Seas clinic is open Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Does the clinic have parking?
Yes, there is free parking at our clinic as part of the Otara Mall.
Will I be able to choose my own doctor?
Yes, when you book your first appointment and you have a preferred doctor in mind please let our receptionist know and she will book you in with them.
Do you have interpreters?
Our staff come from a range of backgrounds and speak a variety of languages including English, Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan and Cook Islands Maori. We will do our best to help interpret if English is a second language. The more notice we have, the easier it is for us to provide an interpreter / translator.
How long are your appointments?
Our standard doctor’s appointment time is 15 minutes. If you think you will need longer then please tell the receptionists when you make an appointment and they can book a double appointment if necessary.
Where is the clinic?
Our clinic is located at 14 Fair Mall, Otara, Auckland 2023.
Enrolment and Fees
What is enrolling?
You don’t have to enrol, but enrolling means you pay a lower upfront fee than as a casual patient. To enrol, all you need to do is complete an enrolment form and show proof of identity (such as your passport) so that we can check your eligibility for publicly funded health services. When you enrol, your health information is held by us. To ensure you get the best possible health care, we may send some of your health information to other health professionals who are directly involved in your health care.
Do I have to pay for my clinic appointment on the day?
Payment is expected at the time of your appointment. We accept payment by cash, Eftpos, credit card or online banking. If you are worried that you can’t pay your fee, please tell us before your appointment. We will speak to you privately about options that may be available to you. First and foremost our priority is your health and well-being.
Can I visit a doctor without being enrolled?
Yes, but this will be as a casual patient, at the full fee.
Why should I enrol?
Enrolling as a clinic patient at South Seas means you pay a lower upfront fee than as a casual patient. It also means you receive continuity of care and can have priority access to our ‘wrap around’ services for families if you are eligible such as Whanau Ora or Well Child.
What is the difference between a ‘casual’ and an ‘enrolled’ patient?
Casual patients visit from time to time but may have their own doctor elsewhere, not have a doctor at all or not be eligible for enrolment. Enrolled patients usually attend our clinic regularly and receive subsidised fees through our PHO funding from Alliance Health Plus.
How much do I pay for a doctor’s appointment?
Enrolled patients under 16 are free while 17 and over enrolled patients pay $10. For more detailed pricing - see our Fees.
WINZ
What is a WINZ Certificate from my Doctor?
If you are apply for or receive financial assistance from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), you may be required to provide a medical certificate to WINZ. These are documents containing health and/or disability related information about a person, and are legal documents. Your Doctor at South Seas can provide the necessary paperwork for you to comply with WINZ. This may be for:
Work Capacity Medical Certificate
Disability Certificate (for disability allowance)
Disability Certificate - Counselling
Disability Allowance - Medical Alarm Assessment
Supported Living Payment medical certificate for a person being cared for
Child Disability Allowance - Medical Certificate
You may also be asked to provide a Host Doctor Report or medical information to support an application for PATHS.
Can my Doctor give me a WINZ Certificate?
Yes, your Doctor at South Seas can provide the necessary paperwork for you to comply with WINZ.