Newsletter – May 2026
How to make an appointment
We know how difficult it can be to make an appointment, so here are some ways you can book:
- We have a limited number of acute on the day appointments, if you need an acute appointment, please call between 8.45am-9am and press 1 when prompted and then press 1 again.
- To book a general appointment call between 10am-4.30pm and press 1 when prompted and then press 2 when prompted to leave a message. We will return your call if we need more information or confirm your appointment by sending a txt message with the appointment details.
- Present to the reception desk and one of our team will help you with your request
- If you are registered to use My Indici and have a registered GP or NP use the MyIndici app to make a booking.
MyIndici
MyIndici is a secure online service that allows you to access your personal medical information at any time of the day or night. You can order repeat prescriptions, safely share information with healthcare services and securely communicate with healthcare professionals online.
- View your medical records and lab results
- Book appointments & get appointment reminders
- Request routine repeat prescriptions
If you would like to register to use MyIndici please click here and fill in the required information: MyIndici Patient Info – Otaki Medical
Your information will be sent to a team member who will complete your registration. We will send you an email when this has been done for you. If you need any help with this please let us know, we are here to help.
Fees
Due to the ongoing increases in the costs associated with providing healthcare, we have had to carefully review our fee structure. After much consideration, we will be implementing an increase in fees for patients without a Community Services Card to $29.50, effective from 01 June 2026.
We understand that any increase in healthcare costs can be concerning, and this decision has not been made lightly. Our goal is to ensure we can continue to deliver safe, timely, and high-quality care to our patients and remain committed to supporting our patients and to staying a very low-cost access practice.
Patients who hold a valid Community Services Card will continue to receive subsidised services at the current rates. If you believe you may be eligible for a Community Services Card but do not yet have one, we encourage you to contact Work and Income (WINZ) or speak with our reception team for guidance.
Fees from 01 June 2026
Adults 18 years+ with a valid Community Services Card: $19.50
Adults 18 years+ without a valid Community Services Card: $29.50
Youth 14 – 17 years $13.00
Under 14 years Free
Repeat Prescriptions
Standard (2 working days) $16.00
Urgent (24 hours) $25.00
Winter Wellness
This is the peak time for cold and flu viruses to be doing the rounds. Preparation and knowledge can help you to cope better when those winter bugs arrive. Ensuring you have stocked up on the basics like paracetamol, plenty of tissues and lemon and honey for hot drinks can be a great way to prepare. Here are some simple steps you can take to help you and your whānau recover:
- Being up to date with Flu Vaccine and other immunisations
- Making sure you get plenty of rest can lead to a quicker recovery time
- Staying hydrated is key, make sure you drink plenty of fluids
- A teaspoon of honey or saltwater gargle can sometimes help with sore throats. Don’t give honey to children under 12 months of age
- Decongestants can help with a blocked or runny nose
- A lemon and honey drink, lozenges or cough medicine may help to ease symptoms, they won’t cure the cough but will provide relief!
- Paracetamol for aches and pains – Check with your GP/NP, Nurse or Healthline if you are unsure.
You can treat most colds and flu with the above rest and self-care at home. A cold can last up to two weeks although the cough symptoms can sometimes last longer than that.
You can find more information on the Healthify website: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/c/cold-the-flu-or-covid-19/
It is important that you feel empowered to know when to seek medical help. call us on 06 3648555 or Healthline on 0800611116 (Healthline is available 24/7). In an emergency call 111.
Ngā manaakitanga
Ōtaki Medical Centre