Photo: Unsplash / RNZ
New research from the think tank, the New Zealand Initiative, is pushing for more investment in GP's to save spending at hospital level.
A report out today highlights the stark estimated cost differences: an emergency department visit, without hospital admission, costs approximately $650 compared to around $50 for a GP consultation.
The author Dr Prabani Wood, who is a research fellow at the business funded organisation and a specialist GP herself, says investment in primary care could save millions of dollars, ease the pressure on hospitals and improve patient care.
Kathryn speaks to Dr Wood ahead of a presentation of her report to the New Zealand Initiative's annual member's meeting.