The Australian Healthcare System

Question 1

Medicare

Answer 1

Medicare is the Australian Government’s nationally funded health scheme that subsidizes the cost of medical services so that all Australian’s have access to free or low-cost medical, optometry and hospital care.

Question 2

Private Health Insurance

Answer 2

A type of insurance for which members pay a premium (or fee).

Question 3

Differences between Private Health Insurance and Medicare

Answer 3

• Medicare is avalible to all citizens for free, whereas one must pay a premium to access Private health, which is often expensive.
  
  • Medicare has waiting lists to access healthcare, whereas Private health has no waiting lists for services.
  • Private health allows you to chose your medical practitioner.
  • Private health can be taken out in addition to Medicare
  • Medicare is administered by the Federal Government, whereas Private health insurance is run by private insurance companies
  • Private health is optional, Medicare is not
  • People with Medicare cannot chose their own doctor for services in a public hospital, whereas people with private health insurance can choose their own doctor for hospital services.

Question 4

Rights in Accessing Healthcare Services

Answer 4

1. Access: I have access to safe and high quality healthcare.
   I can access services to address my healthcare needs.
   
   2. Safety: I have a right to receive safe and high quality care.
      I receive safe and high quality health services provided with professional care, skill and competence.
   3. Respect: I have a right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration
      The care provided shows respect to me, and my culture, beliefs, values and personal characteristics.
   4. Communication: I have a right to be informed about services, treatment options and costs in a clear and open way.
      I receive open and timely appropriate communication about my healthcare in a way I understand.
   5. Participation: I have a right to be included in decisions and choices about my care.
      I may join in making decisions and choices about my care and about health service planning.
   6. Privacy: I have a right to privacy and confidentiality of my personal information.
      My personal privacy is maintained and proper handling of my personal health and other information is assured.
   7. Comment: I have a right to comment on my care and have my concerns addressed.
      I can comment on or complain about my care and have my concerns dealt with properly and promptly.

Question 5

Responsibilities in Accessing Healthcare Services

Answer 5

1. Provide information about past/present illness/ medications, hospitalizations/medical history
   
   2. Ask questions if they do not understand
   3. Follow the instructions of medical health professionals
   4. Report any safety concerns immediately
   5. Treat staff with respect
      Ask questions about care before treatment.

Question 6

The PBS

Answer 6

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is the provision of subsidized medicines to people who need them, regardless of their ability to pay.

Question 7

Support services in the community (update later)

Answer 7

• Doctors, dentists, hospitals
• Maternal and child health services
• Sports or recreational clubs
• Headspace
• Places of worship
  Volunteer organizations

Question 8

Digital Media

Answer 8

Digital media refers to audio (sound), video and photogenic content that has been converted into a digital media file.

Question 9

Examples of Digital Media (Update later)

Answer 9

• Technology based patient consultations
• Symptom checkers
• Mobile apps
• General health and wellbeing apps
  Search engines

Question 10

Opportunities and Challenges with Accessing Digital Media

Answer 10

Opportunities:
- Increased access of healthcare information for rural Australians
- Health info on websites is free/low cost eliminating financial barriers
- Translatable for non-English speakers
Challenges:
- Can misinform people for info can be unreliable
- Dangers of self-medicating
- Cyberchondria

Question 11

Emerging Health Technologies (Update later)

Answer 11

• 3D printing of body parts
• Nanotechnology
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence
  Stem cell use

Question 12

Issues which may arise relating to the use of new and Emerging Health Technologies

Answer 12

• Ethics
• Privacy
• Equity of access
• Invasiveness
  Freedom of choice

Question 13

Situations where a person may lodge a Heathcare Complaint

Answer 13

• The Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)
  Straight to the organization

Question 14

Where you can make a Healthcare Service Complaint

Answer 14

• The Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)
  Straight to the organization

Question 15

Potential Outcomes of making a Complaint

Answer 15

• An explanation about what happened, and why it happened
• An apology
• Access to treatment
• Access or amendment to health records
• Managing health and development
• A refund or compensation
  Managing health and development