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Private Practice Network

About the Private Practice Network (PPN)

The NZSA advocates for anaesthetists working in private practice through our Private Practice Network (PPN), which supports NZSA members working in private practice. The PPN discusses private practice issues, advocates for anaesthetists working in the private sector, and develops member resources.

The PPN represents the interests of private practitioners to health agencies and providers in areas of policy and regulation development, medical practices, equipment, and medications. The Network also offers educational resources and a forum for members working in private practice.

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Private Practice Anaesthesia in New Zealand

The private practice of anaesthesia is widespread throughout New Zealand; however, the nature of the relationships that private practitioners have with private hospitals and even surgeons differ widely around the country.

If you are embarking on your private anaesthesia career, consider becoming an NZSA member to gain access to our Private Practice Network resources. In New Zealand there is legislation governing how a medical practitioner must conduct themselves when working as a contractor (as opposed to an employee) in private practice; this includes Workplace Health and Safety, and areas relating to the Commerce Commission. Information on the effects of the Commerce Commission’s rules, a guide on how to start your own practice, and other resources are available in the Members’ Area of the website.

As practices vary around the country, it is difficult to cover all situations. We welcome feedback on further information you think could be useful for those entering or already working in private practice. If you wish to join our PPN, or have questions or comments for the PPN, email nzsa@anaesthesia.nz.

To access private practice resources, you must be logged in as these are only available to NZSA members. You can then view these from your dashboard.

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Further Information

A mechanism for members to liaise with health providers to achieve the best outcome for their patients; and educational resources and forums for private practitioners. 

The PPN cannot discuss or facilitate any contract, arrangement or understanding relating to the price of services provided by NZSA members or that might limit competition between NZSA members.  The PPN will not negotiate on behalf of members – it is up to each member to independently determine their relationship with funding organisations. These rules are set by the Commerce Commission. 

To stay within the guidelines of the Commerce Act 1986, the Network sought legal advice and was given guidance on what it could and could not do. These are outlined as follows: 

The Network can discuss industry-wide issues, share technical knowledge and information (apart from commercially competitive information) and advocate for NZSA members on matters that do not relate to the basis on which services will be provided by members (including pricing). 

The Network cannot negotiate on behalf of members the basis on which members will provide services or articulate an industry position with regard to the pricing of services or the services that will or will not be provided by individual members of either the Network or NZSA. 

The Network can discuss the mechanics of funding relationships between members and funders and the options available that each member can consider in terms of their personal situation.  It may not, however, recommend or advocate that members adopt a particular stance or decision. 

It would also be legitimate for the Network to provide information to members about relationships with funders and any new developments.  However, it must always be emphasised that the basis on which members contract and price their services is entirely a matter for each member to determine independently. 

The Network must exercise extreme caution that it does not appear to be advocating for any particular course of action. 

Generally, any options published by the Network as to how members might approach particular issues should state that each member must make their own independent judgement with regard to practice and the provision of services.