POAC Transport

Transport may be available for patients who are under POAC funding.  

Scenarios include:

1. Transport to radiology for acute POAC-funded XR, USS, CT.

2. POAC may fund transport for patients requiring acute GP consultation reviews, IV therapy, abscess management, or other medical appointments during the POAC episode of care.

3. This does not include routine appointments where the patient would typically arrange their own transport.

4. Transport to ARC (rest home/private hospital) facility for acute placement where hospital admission can be avoided

5. If the patient has been assessed by St John and then taken to a GP or Urgent Care Clinic, we'll cover the cost of the transfer back home (if there's no other way to get there), or an ambulance to the hospital.

6. Transport to/from POAC-funded ARC facility for urgent medical appointments during the episode of care.  (This does not include pre-arranged routine appointments and private transport would have been required).

7. Where an ambulance has been called and a delay in pick up has been advised if it is clinically safe to transfer via taxi/uber.

Transport options include:

1. Taxi

2. Uber

3. Mobility transport

4. Ambulance transfer (non-urgent)

How to arrange:

• Call POAC office (09) 535 7218 (Mon-Fri 8.30-4.30) or email referral@poac.co.nz to request. 

• Arrange ambulance transfer directly.  Request invoice to POAC OR forward invoice copy to accounts@poac.co.nz

• Most UCCs will hold instructions to book transport directly and charge to the POAC account (if you are an UCC and do not have this, please email us, poac@easthealth.co.nz).

• For mobility or ambulance requests, please provide early notice as there will be a minimum stand-down time of 90 minutes.

• When requesting an appointment for diagnostic imaging, ensure the POAC coordinator is informed of any transportation requirements.

POAC does NOT fund:

• Transport to hospital under normal circumstances (i.e. standard transfer to hospital)

• Patient transportation if they are NOT under the POAC service

• Where POAC is requested solely for transportation purposes

• Routine, non-acute appointments

• Transportation for maternity, AUB, LARC, zoledronate/iron infusion cases, or any other non-acute POAC service

Hospital Discharges

If a patient is being discharged from hospital, all transport should be arranged directly by the hospital. This may include a taxi chit or ambulance transfer as required.

For any queries or to arrange POAC-funded transport, please contact the POAC coordinator.