hhd unit 2 aos 2

Medicare is

A health care service that is affordable to all Australians to access and provide quality care.

Most taxpayers pay a Medicare levy of ___% of their taxable income to help fund Medicare.

2%

Medicare covers:

-free/subsuded treatment by health professionals such as doctors, dentists, specialists etc

-tests & examinations that are needed for illness eg xrays

-treatment & accommodation as a public patient in a public hospital

Advantages of Medicare

-access to essential healthcare as a public patient

-little to no cost

-can receive treatment by a gp of an individuals choice

-available to all Australian citizens

Disadvantages of Medicare

-financial burden on Australian government

-long waiting lists

-cant choose doctors or hospitals

How is Medicare funded?

The federal government raises revenue through taxpayers.

Schedule Fee

A fee for a service.

What is the Medicare safety net?

Once patient’s expenses reach a certain point, this acts as a protective measure designed to avoid patients having to pay a lot of Medicare costs.

What is covered in Private Health Insurance?

-hospital treatments

-doctors bills

-comprehensive cover for ambulance

What is Private Health Insurance?

A system that covers some costs associated with private hospital treatment and extra health services.

Advantages of Private Health Insurance

-can access private hospital

-shorter waiting times

-choice of doctor

Disadvantages of Private Health Insurance

-high cost for individuals

-low-income earners cannot afford

-does nor promote equity of access to services

How is Private Health Insurance funded?

This is generally funded by members through premiums they pay.

What is PBS

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

What does PBS do?

It subsidizes medication to make it more accessible to all Australians.

What are some available services to support wellbeing?

primary health care

community health

public health

online services

telephone counselling services

What is Primary Health Care?

The first place that individuals go for a health check-up. includes a GP, Medicare services, Dentists, hospitals.

What is community health?

A community-based service that offers more medical services provided by the Victorian government.

Examples of community health services

meals on wheels

gp

rehabilitation therapy

counselling

drug and alcohol support

etc

What is public health?

A service led by government and intended to protect people from disease and promote their health by educating them on how to take responsibility for their health

What are some factors affecting how individuals access health care services?

socioeconomic status

geographical location

health literacy

How does socioeconomic status affect an individual’s access to services?

This significantly impacts healthcare access, with lower SES causing barriers and higher SES leading to better outcomes. Addressing disparities in healthcare professionals and promoting inclusivity is crucial for improved accessibility.

What factors make up a Socioeconomic Status?

income

education

occupation

How does geographical location affect our access to services?

The closer an individual lives to a city, the more access we have to resources.

What is health literacy?

The degree to which an individual has access to obtain and understand basic health information needed to make health related decisions.

What are the rights of patients?

-have a right to access health care

-to make comments/complaints about healthcare services

-respect & safety

-clear communication

-participation in decisons

-privacy

What are the responsibilities of patients?

-to give true and accurate information

-to respect healthcare providers

-to be active in decison making

-speaking up with concerns

-attending and communicating in appointments

-regularly updating health information

What are the digital media types?

mobile apps

fitbit

social media

images and videos

email

skype

websites

games

Benefits of digital media

-easily accessible info

-usually free/affordable

-accessible for those geographically or socially isolated

-overcome language barrier

-online is generally faster

Challenges of digital media

-accuracy and reliable information

-misinformation can cause to misdiagnosis

-delayed medical attention

What are online services?

Services range from online support and symptom checkers to online training courses and information services such as health direct or reach out.

What are telephone counselling services?

A type of community health service that help promote health and wellbeing. They are available 24/7.

Examples of mental health services?

headspace

beyond blue

black dog institute

What is equity?

being fair amd impartial

What are issues with medical technology?

equity of access

ethics

privacy

invasiveness

freedom of choice

Options for customer complaints

the Victorian ombudsman

health complaints commissioner

What is the Victorian ombudsman?

An independent impartial organisation that is responsible for investigating complaints about human services.

What is the health’s complaints commissioner?

A service that deals with health-related complaints received by individuals.

How to complain?

Once a complaint in lodged, the HCC assesses where it can be declined or approved. if approved, the HCC will decide on a formal resolution once investigation is complete