Unit 2 Outcome 2 (ch10)health services Flashcards
chapter 10
What are the key aspects of Australia’s health system?
- Medicare
- the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- private health insurance
How much does Medicare pay of the Schedule Fee?
Medicare will pay 75% of the Schedule fee for treatment.
What is the Schedule Fee?
An amount set by the federal government for each medical service.
What is bulk billing?
When the doctor accepts the Medicare benefit (the Schedule fee) as full payment for the services provided.
What are some advantages associated with Medicare?
reduced costs of essential medical services
accommodation in a public hospital
available to all Australian citizens
choice of doctor for out-of-hospital services
covers tests and examinations, doctors, specialists fees
What are some disadvantages associated with Medicare?
no choice of doctor for in-hospital treatments
waiting lists for many treatments
does not cover alternative therapies or allied health services.
often does not cover the full amount of a doctor’s visit
Who funds Medicare ?
the Medicare levy
the Medicare Levy Surcharge
general taxation
What does private health insurance provide for individuals?
more choice in regard to their healthcare
What does private health insurance provide to Australia’s health system?
reduce the burden of disease, mortality rates and increase life expectancy
What is the percentage of private beds in hospitals with private hospital insurance?
40%, with 1/3 of all beds.
What are the advantages associated with private health insurance?
enables access to private hospital care choice of doctor government rebate for eligible policy holders 'Lifetime Health Cover' incentive shorter waiting times
What are the disadvantages associated with private health insurance?
costly in terms of premiums that have to be paid
‘gap’ in costs for the patient (insurance does not cover the whole fee and the individual must pay the difference
qualifying periods apply for some conditions before making a claim (i.e. pregnancy)
What does Lifetime Health Cover encourage?
Younger people to take up private health insurance when they are less likely to claim and keep it for life.
What are the six main services available in the community to support health and wellbeing?
doctors, dentists, hospitals maternal and child health service sports or recreational clubs headspace places of worship volunteer organisations
