Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Health Care And Medicare In Australia

Author: Kevin Scott
by Kevin Scott
Posted: May 26, 2017

Australia's health care system comprises of public and private hospitals and medical practitioners. There are dozens of insurance schemes that have been set up to fund health care needs in the country.

The public health insurance, called Medicare, is funded via the general taxation and provides access to free treatment in public hospitals and subsidies for medical treatments.

Although the health care system is one of the strongest for OECD, there are many concerns with aging of the population, rising levels of obesity, the prevalence of mental illness, and the burden of chronic disease.

When it comes to receiving treatment in Australian hospitals, you can get admitted as a private patient and choose the doctor you wish to provide you with treatment, but at an extra cost. Although people are entitled to free treatment in public hospitals through Medicare, there are special circumstances that might make you look for treatment in a private hospital.

For instance, elective surgery and many day only facilities are private. You can also get subsidies for treatment at the Sunshine Coast medical center and gp Sunshine Coast hospital because they recognize Medicare. Most of these are dental care and physiotherapy. Therefore, you should not be afraid if with private insurance when coming to Sunshine Coast medical center.

If you are worried about the cost of treatment at the Sunshine Coast medical center or gp Sunshine Coast hospital, the price of each of the items covered by Medicare is set by the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) because the government pays part of the cost. In addition, an independent committee assess any new items, against safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and recommendations for public funding.

With Sunshine Coast medical center or gp Sunshine Coast hospital, you can also get protection against high levels of private expenses through the Extended Medicare Safety Net. This, however, might not cover cosmetic surgery and some other type of treatment. You can discuss issues relating to financing and insurance with our doctors when it comes to cosmetic surgery and other expensive treatment options not covered.

Private insurance can also be used at private hospitals to cover private treatment in hospitals. It will duplicate public coverage and cover for treatments not covered by Medicare.

You can also get subsidized drugs through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which offers a set of co-payment for the drugs. Recipient just pay for the set co-payment irrespective of the cost of the drug received. This can be cheaper for highly priced drugs. The government even negotiates prices for drugs with the company.

Last but not the least, most private care centers have integrated treatment processes where you can be referred by your general doctor or family doctor. Most hospitals also have IT systems to track treatments and records of patients. The center has special units for treating children and people of all ages. Doctors at this center can also discuss your situation if you are an expatriate who want to receive advanced medical treatment in Australia.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott

Member since: Aug 21, 2016
Published articles: 2

Related Articles