U2 : Healthcare in Australia

• Medicare

  Australia's universal health insurance scheme. Gives all Australians, permanent residents and people from countries with a reciprocal agreement access to healthcare that is subsidised by the federal government. Aims to provide access to affordable basic healthcare
• General Taxation

  Income collected through general income tax of all Australians.
• Medicare Levy

  An additional 2% tax placed on the taxable income of most taxpayers. Those with low incomes (below $20 000) or with specific circumstances may be exempt from paying.
• Medicare Levy Surcharge

  An additional 1-1.5% tax on the income of people WITHOUT private health insurance earning more than a certain amount/high incomes ($90 000 a year for individuals and $180 000 for families) - Increases as income increases.
• Schedule Fee

  Amount set by the federal government for each medical service. For most GP consultations, Medicare now rebates 100% of the schedule fee.($38.75)
• Out-of-Pocket Fee

  As many doctors charge more than the schedule fee, patients may still have to pay a certain amount themselves.
• Bulk Billing

  When a doctor accepts the Medicare benefit (schedule fee) as full payment for the services rendered. Medicare pays the doctor directly and patient does not pay at all.
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

  Key component of the federal government's contribution to Australia's health system. Medicines are subsidised and consumers must make a patient co-payment. 4000 brands of prescription are covered by the PBS.
• PBS Safety Net

  Ensures that individuals who spend a large amount of money on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications receive financial support.
• Private Health Insurance (PHI)

  Type of insurance for which members pay a premium (or fee) in return for payment towards health-related costs not covered by Medicare. Gives individuals more choice with regard to their healthcare, also helps to significantly reduce the burden on the public health system.
• PHI Incentives

  Encourage people back into PHI to lessen the strain on the public health system.
• PHI Rebate

  Policy holders receive a 30% rebate (or refund) on their premiums for private health insurance. Lower the income, greater the rebate.
• Lifetime Health Cover

  People who take up PHI after the age of 31 pay an extra 2% on their premiums for every year they are over the age of 30. The additional 2 per cent cost for the premium lasts until the person has had hospital cover continuously for 10 years. Encourages younger people to take up private health insurance when they are less likely to claim, and keep it for life.
• Aged Based Discount

  Insurers have the option of offering young people aged 18-29 a discount of up to 10% for hospital cover. The discount allows for a 2% reduction in premiums for each year that the person is aged under 30.
• Doctors, Dentists, Hospitals

  Provides general practice clinics, medical specialists, public & private hospitals, ambulance & dental services.
• Maternal & Child Health Services

  Provides support for families (in parenting), H & W development of the child, consultations with nurses cost-free as well as providing tip sheets for mothers.
• Sports/Recreational Clubs

  Provides satisfaction to people in many areas of H & W
• Youth Services

  Provides mental health services (12-25 y/o), information and support accessed online with a range of health workers cost-free (low cost).
• Headspace

  Aims to implement early intervention strategies to decrease the burden of youth mental health issues and suicide.
• Places of Worship

  Provides many people to feel a strong sense of belonging and emotional support from a place/worship (church, mosque, temple)
• Volunteer Organisations

  Provides regular contact with clients, monitoring of social welfare as well as physical H & W, and nutritional needs.
• Technology-Based Patient Consultations

  Are doctor–patient consultations that use any form of technology, including video conferencing, internet or telephone, as an alternative to face-to-face consultations, but does not replace a face-to-face consultation where there often needs to be a physical examination. Can increase access to care for patients and increase efficiency and effectiveness of the medical practice.
• Virtual Reality (VR)

  Simulates certain experiences that are encountered in real life. Includes distraction therapy for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and various forms of doctor training. Can be used to train surgeons where it is difficult to observe some surgeries.
• Symptom Checkers

  Help people to determine a course of action when they are feeling unwell. People can access these 24 hours a day and either search for various symptoms they may be suffering or answer a number of basic questions
• Mobile Apps

  Used to access specific health information on a wide range of topics for free.
• General H & W Websites

  Websites globally that provide general health and wellbeing information. In Australia, there are both government and non-government organisations that make large volumes of health and wellbeing information available through their websites.
• Search Engines

  Gives an overview description along with information on self-treatment options or symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit. It is not designed to take the place of one-on-one consultations with medical professionals. This basic information should assist users to gather more relevant information and decide which course to take
• Geographic Location

  Where an individual is located. People living in rural and remote regions of Australia have difficulty accessing the level of health services available to those living in major cities, often simply because of the large distances that need to be covered to access doctors and hospitals
• Socioeconomic Status (SES)

  A person’s position in society relative to other people based on the factors of income, occupation and education. Many health services are unavailable to families and individuals on low incomes because they are simply too expensive. PHI may be out of reach for people on low incomes. Limited financial resources can also reduce options for transport. 
• Health Literacy

  The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Low levels are associated with lower rates of participation in preventative health approaches (cancer screening, vaccinations and the management of medications)
• Cultural Factors

  Include language barriers, religious beliefs, values and expectations of the services provided. Those with a language barrier are much less likely to access medical services and information because they don’t understand the information they are given and may not feel that they are in a safe or culturally appropriate environment.
• Gender

  Males are often reluctant to access medical services and ignore preventative health measures that may be offered. Could be due to lack of male health professionals and embarrassment at discussing sensitive, emotional issues or social norms/values associated with a traditional view of masculinity including self-reliance and perseverance in the face of pain.
• Access

  I can access services to address my healthcare needs.
• Safety

  I receive safe and high quality health services, provided with professional care, skill and competence.
• Respect

  The care provided shows respect to me and my culture, beliefs, values and personal characteristics.
• Communication

  I receive open, timely and appropriate communication about my healthcare in a way I can understand.
• Participation

  I may join in making decisions and choices about my care and about health service planning.
• Privacy

  My personal privacy is maintained and proper handling of my personal health and other information is assured.
• Comment

  I can comment on or complain about my care and have my concerns dealt with properly and promptly.
• Patient Responsibilities

  • provide info about past & present illnesses, hospitalisations, medications (health history)
  • Treat medical staff with respect
  • Ask questions when unsure about explanations