doctors
CHOOSING YOUR DOCTOR
There will always be different opinions on what makes a good doctor (your GP).
You can start with listening to family and friends but your final choice should be a doctor with whom YOU feel comfortable.
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If you don't have a family doctor or you are not happy with your doctor, be prepared to look around until you find one who suits your needs.
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Making appointments
The first time you visit a doctor alone (without parents) or wish to talk about your problems, it will take longer than a "normal" appointment (ask the receptionist for a longer appointment).
The doctor will need to know about your health, lifestyle and concerns before he/she can help you.
How much will it cost?
Your doctor will raise a fee for your visit.
Don't be afraid to ask about fees and payment of accounts when you make the appointment.
Communication
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All discussions with your GP are completely confidential.
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It's a two-way street.
Don't expect your doctor to guess what's really worrying you.
"Little" things may actually be very important.
You should feel able to talk openly with your doctor.
Getting the information you need
If you think you may not remember all the questions you want to ask, write them down before your appointment.
This includes questions about treatment options, medications and prescription renewals.
You can also ask the doctor to write down the main points you need to remember.
PAYMENT
How do I pay?
Each time you visit a doctor an account will be raised by the doctor for the items of service performed.
Your doctor may elect to treat your account in any of the following means.
- He/she asks you to pay the fee at the end of the consultation.
You will then send the paid account to Medicare who will send you a cheque for the Medicare benefit/rebate for the items of service performed by the doctor.
- You (or the doctor on your behalf) will send the unpaid account to Medicare who will send you a cheque "payable to the doctor" for the Medicare benefit for the items of service performed by the doctor.
You need to give that to your doctor together with your payment for the balance owing.
- He/she will agree to receive the Medicare benefit (ie discounted fee) in payment of the account.
This is called bulk-billing.
You will need to sign a Medicare form at the surgery and the government will pay the doctor directly for the items of service performed.
What if I am unhappy with my medical service?
If you are unhappy about the service provided or the fee assessed for the Medical treatment you should speak to your doctor.
If after speaking to your doctor you are still unhappy with some aspects of the service or fee you may :-
Contact the Australian Medical Association in your State or Territory.
Contact the Health Department in your State or Territory.
Each body has criteria for determining how they will respond to your concerns/complaints and will require you to write to them.
If your complaint relates to treatment in a public hospital you should refer your complaints to the hospital administrator.
MEDICARE
The Medicare program provides access to medical and hospital services for all Australian residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia.
The basic aim of the Medicare program is to provide:-
- for automatic entitlement to benefits in respect of medical services
- (equal to 85% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule and in some cases less than half of the normal price of services provided),
- for medical services rendered while in hospital, and
- for access without direct charge to public hospital accommodation and to treatment by doctors appointed by the hospital.
The cost of the Medicare program is paid by taxpayers.
Do I need to take a Medicare card with me to the doctor?
Taking your Medicare card along ensures that the doctor has all the information needed to bulk bill his fees to Medicare.
If the doctor already has all your details from a previous visit, you may not need your Medicare card, but it is better to take it anyway if you have it.
When can I get my own Medicare Card?
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You can apply for your own Medicare card / number from the age of 15 (prior to that you are normally included on your parent's card).
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You will need two forms of identification (such as a birth certificate or bank book etc).
If you apply at a Medicare office, they will give you a Medicare number over the counter and then send you a plastic card.
Or it can be done by mail, but it will take about three weeks.
Can my parent's find out if their number has been used?
If you use your parent's Medicare number then that parent can ring Medicare at any time and ask the details of the services that have been billed through their number.
You should remember this if you are seeing a doctor about something you may not want your parents to know about.
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