Quality health care is important to us all. The system that provides this service is large and complex, and not without its faults. Over the years the money we pay for medical services has gradually increased. So how does the Australian health system work, and why has this happened?
Submitted
3/29/2006
By
atoop
Views
5433
Comments
0
Updated
5/19/2009
What’s involved?
Photographer : Wayne Mah |
There are a few small things that you can do to influence and change the Australian health system:
- Don’t clog up the public hospital system—for minor health issues, see your GP. Don't forget that GPs know you better, so if you have ongoing health issues such as asthma or diabetes, your GP is the best person to see to manage the issues properly.
- Although they are hard to find, look for a GP who still does bulk billing—this will save you from paying a substantial amount.
- Lobby both federal and state governments to increase health funding. It only takes 20 minutes and 50 cents to write a letter to a health minister or your local member of parliament. Let them know that health is a major issue to you, and ask them what they are going to do about it.
- Getting more informed about the Australian health system and telling others about your concerns is another way of taking action. Here are some places to start:
Department of Human Services: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/
The health department in your state/territory: ACT|NSW|NT|Qld|SA|Tas|Vic|WA
Australian Medical Association (AMA):
http://www.ama.com.au
Elliot, Amanda 2002, ‘The decline in bulk billing: explanations and implications’ Parliament of Australia Parliamentary Library, http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/CIB/2002-03/03C...
Griggs, D & Atkins, C 2004, ‘The bulk billing crisis—a Victorian perspective’, http://www.lhmu.org.au/lhmu/campaigns/medicare/fil...
New Doctor 2001, ‘Medicare fact sheet 1: what is Medicare?’, New Doctor, No. 75, http://www.drs.org.au/new_doctor/75/fact_sheet_1.html
Why should people do this?
