Unit 2 AOS 2

General Practitioners

A doctor who has a wide range of skills and knowledge and looks after most of the people in a community

Allied Health Services

Health professionals outside the medical, dental, and nursing professions providing specialized care.

Alternative Health Services

Healthcare practices used instead of or alongside traditional medical services.

Medicare

Australia’s universal health insurance scheme providing subsidized healthcare to Australians.

Advantages of medicare

• Reduced cost for essential medical services including free treatment and accommodation in a public hospital

• Covers tests and examinations, doctors’ and specialists’ fees (Schedule fee only), and some procedures

Disadvantages of medicare

• No choice of doctor for in-hospital treatments

• Waiting lists for many treatments

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

A federal government program that subsidies prescription medicines to make essential medication affordable.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

A government insurance scheme that provides funding for services and supports to eligible Australians with a disability

Bulk Billing

When a doctor accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for their services, resulting in no out-of-pocket expense for the patient.

Community services supporting youth health and wellbeing

• Doctors, dentists and hospitals

• Sports or recreational clubs

• Headspace

• Place of worship

Health Literacy

The ability to access, understand, and use health information and services effectively.

Factors affecting access to health

Cost, confidentiality, scheduling/ time constraints, geographic location, complicated system and health literacy and cultural factors.

Patient Rights

• information about their diagnosis

• information from the doctor on the costs of the proposed treatment, including out-of-pocket expenses

• treatment with respect and dignity

Patient Responsibilities

• provide information about their past and present illnesses

• ask questions when they do not understand

• follow the instructions and medical orders of their doctors for best treatment outcome

My Health Record

An online summary of an individual’s key health information accessible to individuals and healthcare providers.

Digital Media

• Internet search engines

• Mobile apps and general health and wellbeing websites

• Technology-based patient consultations (telehealth)

• Symptom checkers

Cyberchondria

The phenomenon of patients self-diagnosing health conditions online, often leading to anxiety.

Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)

The organization that manages complaints related to healthcare services, quality, and patient rights.

Safety Net

Financial support systems under Medicare and PBS that provide extra support after reaching certain healthcare costs.