POAC Radiology for Auckland Region

POAC Radiology Services

Radiology Services – POAC Funding Guidance

POAC Acute Services:

POAC funding is available to support access to community-based radiology services to avoid acute hospital referrals.

This service is intended for investigations required within 24–48 hours, that will directly assist with clinical management decisions. Appropriate for urgent investigations that, if delayed, may result in an ED presentation or hospital admission.

Non-Acute / Less Urgent Scans:

Scans that are not acute and time-critical (24-48 hours) and do not meet POAC criteria should be referred via standard pathways:

Access to Diagnostics (ATD)
Hospital Outpatient Radiology e-Referral
ACC (where applicable)
Private funding options

The exception is for pelvic ultrasound under the AUB Pathway, as below.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) Investigations:

Visit www.poac.co.nz/aub for full details.

POAC will coordinate and fund the ultrasound for patients who reside within the Counties Manukau District only.

Referral guidance:

Auckland: Use e-Referral or Access to Diagnostics (ATD)
Waitematā: Use e-Referral to request an outpatient radiology scan

Note: The timeframe for scan completion is similar across all referral pathways.

Exclusions:

The following are generally excluded from POAC funding:

ACC or injury-related investigations, except:
1. If referred by St John or the Emergency Department and require acute radiology
2. Suspected DVT: POAC will coordinate the scan and cover the ACC co-payment only. All other costs should be submitted under ACC.
3. Portable X-Ray: Referred by Aged Care Facility or Hospice for non-mobile patients (ACC co-payment funded)
Routine maternity scans, except:
1. Suspected ectopic pregnancy (acute; to avoid ED attendance) – requires SMO endorsement
2. Retained Products of Conception (RPOC) – may be coordinated by POAC, though still under maternity funding
3. Under the Counties Manukau Health Urgent Maternity Scan service: POAC supports clinically urgent scans in the community due to limited capacity at Middlemore Radiology