Consumer health

Question 1

What are the levels of health care in Australia - provide a description of each (with examples)

Answer 1

Primary Care: Eg. General practitioners, nurses, pharmacist, dentist, community health nurses

Secondary Care: Eg. Cardiologist, oncologist (cancer), podiatrist, psychologist

Tertiary care: Eg. is provided at a hospital. A higher level if speciality care is provided

Question 2

What are the main factors influencing the choosing of health care products and services?

Answer 2

The 4 main considerations or influences are:
1: Media influence
2: Transport and access
3: Cost
4: Consumer confidence

Question 3

Explain Medicare and how it works:

Answer 3

Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme that gives individuals access to free or subsided healthcare when you pay every month

Question 4

Explain Private Health Insurance and how it works:

Answer 4

In Australia, private health insurance is an arrangement an individual has with their health insurer where some of the cost of treatment for private patients in private or public hospitals and some additional services that Medicare does not cover are subsidised or totally covered

Question 5

What are some rights and responsibilities of a health consumer?

Answer 5

Rights: 1) Request to view you own medical records, 2) Your religious, cultural and ethical morals are respected, 3) Refuse any healthcare treatment without any reason.

Responsibilities: 1) Be respectful, 2) Ask your healthcare professional to clarify any information that may be unclear to you, 3) Be honest at all times with your health care professional at all times, regardless of how embarrassed or uncomfortable you may feel.