Medicare
Name one thing covered by Medicare
Free or subsidised GP visits
Tests and exams such as x-ray and pathology tests
Optometrists’ eye test
Procedures performed by GPs
Treatment and accommodation in a public hospital
75% of private hospital fees for services and procedures (not including accomodation, theatre and medicine)
Partially covers 10 psychologist sessions in a calendar year
Some dental for children
What is the current cost of PBS-subsidised medications?
$31.60
Give one characteristic of optimal emotional health and wellbeing.
Recognise and understand emotional actions and reactions.
Have a high level of resilience.
Effectively express and manage emotional actions and reactions.
Experience appropriate emotions in given situations.
Name two services a GP can offer.
Many options but some examples include:
prescribe medication such as antibiotics,
send patients to pathology for a blood test,
make referrals to orthopedic surgeons to repair a ruptured ACL,
provide information on vaccinations,
provide advice on sexual health or other concerns such as high body weight or substance abuse.
Identify one allied health professional and one alternative health service
allied
counselling and psychology
nutrition
chiropractic
optometry
podiatry
physiotherapy
pharmacy.
alternate
acupuncture
homeopathy and naturopathy
massage therapy
yoga and Pilates
Chinese traditional medicine.
Define the term "schedule fee"
The government-set amount for each medical service, considered a reasonable cost on average, and Medicare generally rebates 100% of this fee for most GP consultations.
Define the NDIS
The NDIS is a national insurance scheme that supports people with permanent and significant disabilities, along with their families and carers.
What is the most common chronic health condition in Australia? Asthma, Mental Health Conditions, Back Pain, Cardiovascular Disease or Cancer
Mental Health Conditions
A General Practitioner (GP) is a doctor who has a wide range of skills and knowledge and looks after most of the people in a community.
Explain whether allied health services are covered by medicare.
These services are not usually or completely covered by Medicare but are often covered by private health insurance.
If a doctor charges above the schedule fee, is this considered a bulk-billing clinic? Justify why or why not.
It is not considered bulk billing as this is when the doctor accepts the Medicare benefit (the Schedule fee) as full payment for the services provided. The patient does not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses as the doctor has only charged the Schedule fee. In this instance, the patient would have an out of pocket expense.
What is the eligibility criteria for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS a person must
be an Australian citizen
have a permanent and significant disability
be under 65 years old when first applying for the scheme.
Define Health Literacy
Health literacy relates to how people understand, access and use health information and services in ways that promote and maintain health and wellbeing. A high level of health literacy is strongly linked to improved health outcomes.
Explain how GPs can impact youth health literacy
Youth health literacy can be increased greatly by asking questions and seeking information and advice from a GP.
Accessing a trusted GP will give young people knowledge about a health condition, as well as some skills in managing their own health.
Define allied health
Allied health services are health professionals outside the medical, dental and nursing profession.
Identify an advantage and a disadvantage of Medicare.
Adv:
Reduced cost for essential medical services including free treatment and accommodation in a public hospital
Choice of doctor for out-of-hospital services
Available to all Australian citizens
Reciprocal agreement between Australia and other countries allows Australian citizens to access free healthcare in selected countries
Covers tests and examinations, doctors’ and specialists’ fees (Schedule fee only), and some procedures such as x-rays and eye tests
The Medicare Safety Net provides extra financial contributions for medical services once co-payments reach a certain level.
Disadv
List 5 examples of support the NDIS can provide.
daily personal activities requiring in-home care
transport
workplace assistance or assistive technologies
home or vehicle modifications
help with household tasks
mobility equipment
speech pathology
educational support.
How many times on average do Australians visit a GP per year?
6.2
Amal is feeling tired and unwell so he visits the GP, the GP diagnoses him with the flu and prescribes medication. Explain how this visit positively impacts Amal's health outcomes.
Amal’s visit to the GP allows his flu to be diagnosed and treated promptly, which can reduce the severity and duration of his illness, improving his physical health by enabling his body to function more effectively. This can contribute to improved health outcomes for Amal by reducing the incidence of secondary infections.
Explain the difference between allied health and alternative health services.
Allied health services are evidence-based services delivered by trained professionals who work alongside doctors and nurses to prevent, diagnose, and treat health conditions. Examples include physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
Alternative health services, on the other hand, are practices that are not always supported by strong scientific evidence and usually sit outside the mainstream health system. They include therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, massage therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Explain how Medicare can improve the health outcomes of young Australians.
Example may include:
Medicare covers essential services such as GP visits, specialist consultations, hospital treatment, and some diagnostic tests. This means young people are more likely to seek medical help early, leading to reduced incidence and prevalence of illness through timely diagnosis and treatment.
Subsidised Mental Health Treatment Plans allow young people to access psychologists, supporting their mental health and wellbeing by managing stress and anxiety.
Explain the PBS Safety Net.
In addition to the initial subsidy, individuals and families are further protected through the PBS Safety Net. Once they (or their immediate family) have spent $1647.90 (2024) within a calendar year on PBS-listed medicines, the patient pays a concessional co-payment rate of $7.70. The safety net threshold for those eligible for the concession rate is $277.20.
How much money is spent on healthcare per year in Australia? Hint: It is more than $100 billion
$252.5 billion
How many visits per day are made to a GP in Australia
517,000
Explain how a psychologist could improve youth health outcomes.
A psychologist can improve youth health outcomes by providing therapy and strategies to manage issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress, which enhances their mental health and wellbeing. This professional support reduces the morbidity and burden of disease associated with mental illness in youth, and can contribute to better self-assessed health status and overall wellbeing.