A GP clinic in one of the motu's most deprived areas says its bad debtor rate is through the roof with patients unable to pay their bills.
Last night, Checkpoint revealed Green Cross Health is now asking patients to pay before they see a doctor at most of their 67 clinics across the country, because more people can't afford the bill.
It's carrying debt in the six figures as a consequence.
The Bush Rd Medical Centre in Whangarei has more than 11,000 enrolled patients and some of them are struggling to pay too.
Dr Geoff Cunningham speaks to Lisa Owen
