Medicare
What is Medicare?
Australia’s universal healthcare system that provides access to subsidised healthcare.
What is a General Practitioner (GP)?
A doctor with a broad range of skills and knowledge who provides healthcare to people in the community.
What does PBS stand for?
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Name one financial factor that can prevent young people from accessing healthcare.
Cost, including the cost of appointments or prescribed medication.
Name one right that patients have when accessing healthcare.
Examples include the right to privacy, dignity, information about their diagnosis and costs, participation in decisions about their care, or making a complaint.
Who is generally covered by Medicare?
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What are allied health professionals?
University-qualified health professionals outside the medical, dental and nursing professions.
What is the main purpose of the PBS?
To subsidise the cost of essential medicines and make them more affordable for Australians.
How can confidentiality concerns act as a barrier to young people accessing healthcare?
Young people may worry that their private health information will be shared with parents, others or people in their community.
What is medical confidentiality?
The requirement that information discussed between a doctor and patient is kept private.
What is bulk billing?
When a doctor or specialist charges only the Medicare Schedule fee, meaning the patient has no out-of-pocket cost.
Name two examples of allied health professionals.
Examples include psychologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, optometrists, podiatrists and pharmacists.
What is the PBS Safety Net designed to do?
Provide additional financial support to people who spend a large amount of money on PBS medications.
Why can geographic location be a barrier to healthcare?
People in rural and remote areas may have to travel long distances and may have fewer doctors, specialists, hospitals and healthcare technologies available.
What is telehealth?
A healthcare consultation using technology such as video conferencing, the internet or telephone instead of a face-to-face consultation.
What is the Medicare levy?
A 2% tax paid by most Australian taxpayers to help fund Medicare.
What age group does headspace primarily provide mental health services for?
Youth and Early Adults (12–25)
What does NDIS stand for?
National Disability Insurance Scheme.
How can a complicated healthcare system act as a barrier?
Young people may find processes such as booking appointments, using Medicare cards and obtaining referrals difficult to understand or navigate.
What is the role of the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)?
To receive and resolve complaints about health service providers through an independent, free, impartial and confidential process.
Give two things that Medicare does not generally cover.
Examples include ambulance services, dental treatment for adults who can afford it, glasses/contact lenses, alternative health services and cosmetic surgery.
How can sporting or recreational clubs support a person's health and wellbeing?
They can promote physical health while also providing social connections, belonging, identity and emotional/spiritual benefits.
What is the main goal of the NDIS?
To provide funding for services and supports that allow Australians with permanent and significant disabilities to live as independently and fully as possible.
Name two cultural factors that can affect access to health services.
Language barriers, religious beliefs, cultural values and expectations of healthcare services.
What are the three possible courses of action after a complaint is accepted by the HCC?
Early resolution, formal resolution or investigation.