Taranaki Paediatrics

Dr Vicky George

Services

I offer paediatric clinical assessment which includes history and examination, investigations and planning. I often send out a history and development questionnaire in order to optimise our time and get some background prior to the appointment if this has not been supplied already. 

If the issues are developmental or learning-based, I can also send a questionnaire to the preschool/school to get an idea of the levels your child is achieving, and the issues their teachers are experiencing. It is helpful for you to provide the email address of the teacher who is best able to answer these questions, and ask them to look out for the email.

For ADHD assessments we email out Conners 4 questionnaires to two of the options of school, parents and self (older children or those who have left full time education). Prior to the appointment I will ask for permission to access the child’s/teen’s medical records at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Making an appointment

Health professional & parent (self) referrals are welcomed.

Once I have reviewed the referral, I will advise admin if the referral classes your child/teen as a simple or complex assessment, and whether Conners 4 questionnaires will be helpful. The administrator will then be in touch directly to make the appropriate appointment.  

Please note, there can often be delays in contacting parents/caregivers for appointments due to the high volume of referrals we receive. Please email specialistservices@carefirst.co.nz if you require an update on the status of your referral. Referrals can be sent to admin via the SR portal (preferred) or email referral to specialistservices@carefirst.co.nz.

My clinic day is normally on a Monday between 9.30am and 5pm.  The specialist admin generally works Monday & Tuesday, 8:30am to 2:00pm. Follow-up appointments can be face-to-face or telephone consultations. At this time I am not able to offer advice over email.

ADHD and more complex cases will likely require follow up appointments in order to complete the assessment, prior to discharge to the GP for ongoing management.

Funding and payment

Payment for the appointment is required on the day of the appointment unless a prior arrangement has been made. If you are a Southern Cross Insurance member, admin will do a pre-approval and let you know if there is any money owing (e.g., shortfall or excess depending on the plan you have). If you have medical insurance with another company  you will need to pay us directly and seek reimbursement from your insurer.

What to bring

• Any previous medical letters from specialists not available through Te Whatu Ora Taranaki.
• An accurate list of current medications including vitamins and supplements.

Fees

There are some extra fees for more in-depth developmental and autism assessments. These will be discussed during the appointment as they are not always needed.

NB: fees are inclusive of GST and are accurate at time of publishing, May 2025.