Australian Healthcare Navigation Guide

Master the complex Australian healthcare system and get the care you need without breaking the bank
Last Updated: December 2025 | Covering: Bulk billing crisis, Medicare hacks, and affordable healthcare strategies

The Healthcare Reality Check

Bulk billing rates have dropped to 65% (from 85% in 2020). Average GP visit costs $50-80 without bulk billing. 65% of Australians have skipped medical appointments due to cost. The healthcare system that was once the pride of Australia is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate and afford.

🚨 Healthcare Crisis by Numbers (2025):

• GP shortages: 40% of practices not taking new patients
• Mental health wait times: 3-6 months for psychology appointments
• Emergency department delays: 4-8 hour waits for non-urgent cases
• Specialist costs: $200-500+ per consultation
• Dental care: 60% of adults avoid due to cost

🆘 Health Emergency Quick Reference

Immediate Medical Crisis

• Emergency services: 000 (life-threatening situations)
• Poisons Information: 13 11 26 (24/7)
• Mental health crisis: 13 11 14 (Lifeline 24/7)
• Sexual assault: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
• Suicide prevention: 1800 273 8255

After-Hours Care (Non-Emergency)

• healthdirect: 1800 022 222 (24/7 nurse helpline)
• 13 DOCTOR: Home doctor visits (Medicare rebates available)
• Hospital emergency: Can’t legally refuse emergency treatment
• Pharmacy advice: Minor ailments, medication queries
• Telehealth services: Many available 24/7

💰 Finding Affordable Healthcare

Bulk Billing Mastery

Bulk Billing Finder Strategies

FIND BULK BILLING DOCTORS:
🏥 MyMedicare app - filter by bulk billing status
🏥 Healthdirect website - "Find a health service"
🏥 Ring before booking - bulk billing status changes
🏥 Community health centers - usually bulk bill everyone
🏥 Medical students clinics - supervised, bulk billed
🏥 Aboriginal Medical Services - bulk bill all patients
🏥 University health centers - if you're a student

Maximizing Bulk Billing Success

• Healthcare card holders: Most GPs bulk bill card holders
• Children under 16: Many GPs bulk bill children automatically
• Pensioners and veterans: Higher bulk billing rates
• Chronic disease management: Bulk billed care plans available
• Immunizations: Usually bulk billed at all practices

Medicare Optimization Hacks

Medicare Benefits You Didn’t Know About

HIDDEN MEDICARE BENEFITS:
💊 Psychology sessions: 20 sessions per year with mental health plan
💊 Dietitian consultations: 5 sessions per year with chronic condition
💊 Exercise physiology: 5 sessions per year with GP referral
💊 Podiatry services: For diabetics with GP management plan
💊 Optometry: Eye tests every 2 years, more if diabetic
💊 Aboriginal health checks: Annual comprehensive health assessments
💊 Asthma/diabetes reviews: Regular funded check-ups

Claiming Maximum Rebates

• Medicare online claiming: Instant rebates, no forms
• Express Plus Medicare app: Submit claims with photos
• Automatic claiming: Set up with regular providers
• Family claiming: Link family members for easier management
• Safety net threshold: Track spending, 80% rebate after $560.60

🏥 Navigating Different Healthcare Services

General Practice (GP) Strategy

Finding the Right GP Practice

GP SELECTION CRITERIA:
👩‍⚕️ Bulk billing availability and consistency
👩‍⚕️ Appointment availability (same-day, online booking)
👩‍⚕️ Practice location and parking
👩‍⚕️ Extended hours (evenings, weekends)
👩‍⚕️ Telehealth options
👩‍⚕️ Special interests matching your needs
👩‍⚕️ Referral network quality

GP Appointment Optimization

• Book longest appointments: Standard vs long consultations
• Prepare symptom list: Don’t forget important issues
• Bring medication list: Current prescriptions and supplements
• Ask for care plans: Chronic conditions get 5 allied health visits
• Request 6-month scripts: Reduce dispensing fees
• Get referrals when needed: Don’t delay specialist care

Specialist Care Without Breaking the Bank

Specialist Cost Reduction Strategies

REDUCE SPECIALIST COSTS BY 50%+:
🏥 Public hospital outpatients (free with referral)
🏥 Community health specialist clinics
🏥 Teaching hospitals (residents under supervision)
🏥 Bulk billing specialists (rare but exist)
🏥 Private health insurance day hospital benefits
🏥 DVA coverage if veteran-related condition

Public vs Private Specialist Care

Public System:

• Cost: Free with GP referral
• Wait times: 3-18 months depending on urgency
• Quality: Same doctors often work in both systems
• Location: Major hospitals only

Private System:

• Cost: $200-500+ per visit
• Wait times: 1-6 weeks typically
• Convenience: More appointment options
• Out-of-pocket: Often $100-300 after Medicare rebate

Emergency Department Navigation

When to Use Emergency vs Alternatives

GO TO EMERGENCY FOR:
🚨 Chest pain, difficulty breathing
🚨 Severe injury or bleeding
🚨 Suspected stroke or heart attack
🚨 Loss of consciousness
🚨 Severe allergic reactions
🚨 Mental health crisis with immediate risk

USE ALTERNATIVES FOR:
✅ Fever without other serious symptoms
✅ Minor cuts requiring stitches
✅ Urinary tract infections
✅ Mild asthma (if you have medication)
✅ Medication refills
✅ Sick certificates

Emergency Department Hacks

• Arrive prepared: Medicare card, medication list, referral letters
• Triage honestly: Describe symptoms accurately, don’t exaggerate
• Bring entertainment: Expect 2-8 hour waits for non-urgent cases
• Ask about discharge planning: Social work, home care referrals
• Follow up care: ED doctors should arrange GP follow-up

💊 Prescription Medication Savings

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Optimization

PBS Safety Net Strategy

PBS SAFETY NET THRESHOLDS (2025):
💰 General patients: $316.80 (then $7.70 maximum per script)
💰 Concession cardholders: $80.80 (then $1.30 maximum)
💰 Family coverage: Combined family spending counts
💰 Automatic registration: Once threshold reached
💰 Calendar year reset: January 1st each year

Medication Cost Reduction Techniques

• Generic substitution: 60-80% cheaper, same active ingredient
• 90-day prescriptions: Reduce dispensing fees significantly
• Pharmacy shopping: Dispensing fees vary $7-12 between pharmacies
• Medicine timing: Get scripts before month-end for PBS year
• Combination medications: Sometimes cheaper than separate prescriptions

Alternative Medication Access

Free and Low-Cost Medication Programs

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
💊 Pharmaceutical company programs (patient assistance)
💊 Hospital discharge medications (30-day supply often free)
💊 Clinical trial medications (free if participating)
💊 Compassionate access programs (serious conditions)
💊 Aboriginal health services (comprehensive medication support)
💊 Community health centers (subsidized prescriptions)

International Medication Options

• TGA importation scheme: Personal importation for some medications
• Travel prescriptions: Bring back 3-month supplies legally
• Online pharmacy verification: Ensure legitimate overseas suppliers
• Generic availability: Some generics available overseas earlier

🧠 Mental Health Navigation

Psychology and Counseling Access

Mental Health Care Plan Benefits

GP MENTAL HEALTH PLAN INCLUDES:
🧠 20 psychology sessions per calendar year
🧠 Medicare rebates: $85.55-$142.20 per session
🧠 No waiting periods or pre-existing condition exclusions
🧠 Can be used with any registered psychologist
🧠 Reviews at 6 and 20 sessions to continue care
🧠 Includes psychiatrist referrals if needed

Finding Affordable Mental Health Care

• Bulk billing psychologists: Use Psychology Board directory filters
• Community mental health: Free services through area health services
• University training clinics: Students under supervision, low cost
• Employee assistance programs: Free sessions through employers
• Beyond Blue support groups: Free peer support programs
• Lifeline face-to-face counseling: Sliding scale fees

Crisis Mental Health Resources

Immediate Mental Health Support (24/7)

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (suicide prevention counseling)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (depression, anxiety support)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (5-25 year olds)
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (men’s mental health)
• QLife: 1800 184 527 (LGBTI+ mental health support)

Crisis Mental Health Services

CRISIS TEAM ACCESS:
🆘 Public hospital emergency departments
🆘 Community crisis teams (each area health service)
🆘 Mobile crisis teams (home visits available)
🆘 Crisis respite accommodation (short-term support)
🆘 Involuntary treatment reviews (if hospitalized)

🦷 Dental and Oral Health

Public Dental System Navigation

Accessing Public Dental Care

PUBLIC DENTAL ELIGIBILITY:
🦷 Healthcare card or pensioner concession card holders
🦷 DVA gold card holders
🦷 Asylum seekers and refugees
🦷 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
🦷 Children in some states (varies by state)
🦷 Emergency dental through hospital emergency departments

Public Dental Wait List Strategy

• Emergency vs general treatment: Emergency seen within 24-48 hours
• Priority categories: Pregnant women, disabilities often prioritized
• Multiple locations: Apply to several public clinics simultaneously
• Regular contact: Call monthly to maintain active status
• Update circumstances: Report changes that might increase priority

Affordable Private Dental Options

Dental School Clinics

• Cost savings: 40-60% discount on private dental rates
• Quality assurance: Students supervised by qualified dentists
• Available procedures: Most general dentistry, some specialist work
• Appointment times: Longer appointments due to supervision
• Locations: Major cities with dental schools

Dental Insurance and Payment Plans

DENTAL COST MANAGEMENT:
💰 Private health insurance (12-month waiting periods)
💰 Payment plans through dental practices
💰 Dental financing companies (Zip, Humm)
💰 Health savings accounts
💰 Dental tourism (carefully researched overseas treatment)
💰 Dental charities and community programs

👁️ Vision and Eye Care

Optometry and Eye Health

Free and Low-Cost Eye Care

EYE CARE SAVINGS:
👁️ Specsavers bulk bills eye tests for pension/healthcare card holders
👁️ OPSM free eye tests for children under 16
👁️ Vision screening at community health centers
👁️ Diabetic eye screening programs (free for diabetics)
👁️ Glaucoma testing for high-risk individuals
👁️ University optometry clinics (student supervision)

Glasses and Contact Lens Savings

• Online retailers: Zenni, Clearly - 70-80% cheaper than stores
• Optical chain promotions: 2-for-1 deals, BOGO offers
• Health insurance benefits: Extras cover varies widely
• Contact lens subscriptions: Direct from manufacturer savings
• Second-hand designer frames: Replace lenses in quality frames

🏥 Hospital and Surgery Navigation

Public Hospital System

Public Hospital Access Strategy

PUBLIC HOSPITAL CATEGORIES:
🏥 Category 1: Urgent (30 days) - cancer, heart surgery
🏥 Category 2: Semi-urgent (90 days) - gallbladder, hernias
🏥 Category 3: Non-urgent (365 days) - joint replacements
🏥 Emergency surgery: Immediate, no waiting list
🏥 Outpatient clinics: Specialist appointments through GP referral

Reducing Hospital Costs

• Public patient in public hospital: Free treatment, accommodation
• Private insurance: Choose excess levels carefully
• Hospital choice: Some private hospitals bulk bill procedures
• Medical gaps: Understand what’s not covered by insurance
• Prostheses costs: Generic vs branded implant options

Surgery and Specialist Procedures

Elective Surgery Planning

• Second opinions: Always valuable for major procedures
• Timing considerations: End of financial year insurance benefits
• Pre-admission clinics: Reduce hospital stay length
• Recovery planning: Arrange home care support in advance
• Medical certificates: Plan work absence documentation

👶 Women’s and Family Health

Pregnancy and Maternity Care

Maternity Care Options and Costs

MATERNITY CARE MODELS:
👶 Public hospital care (free shared care)
👶 Private obstetric care ($3,000-8,000 out-of-pocket)
👶 Midwifery group practice (Medicare covered)
👶 Birth center care (lower intervention, Medicare covered)
👶 Home birth (private midwives, some Medicare rebates)

Pregnancy Support Services

• Antenatal classes: Free through public hospitals
• Pregnancy support services: Financial assistance, counseling
• Breastfeeding support: Free lactation consultants
• Family planning services: Contraception, reproductive health
• Maternal mental health: Perinatal anxiety and depression services

Children’s Health Services

Child Health Programs

• Baby health checks: Free nurse visits, growth monitoring
• Immunization programs: Free childhood vaccines
• School health programs: Vision, hearing, development screening
• Speech therapy: Early intervention programs
• Dental services: Some states provide free children’s dental

🏃‍♂️ Preventive Health and Wellness

Health Checks and Screening

Free Health Screening Programs

FREE HEALTH CHECKS:
✅ BreastScreen (mammograms 50-74 years)
✅ Cervical screening (Pap tests 25-74 years)
✅ Bowel cancer screening (50-74 years)
✅ Aboriginal health checks (all ages)
✅ Heart health checks (45+ years)
✅ Diabetes screening (high risk groups)
✅ Blood pressure monitoring (community programs)

Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention

• Dietitian services: Medicare rebates with chronic conditions
• Exercise physiology: Funded sessions for chronic disease management
• Smoking cessation: Free quitlines and nicotine replacement
• Alcohol and drug services: Free counseling and support programs
• Mental health first aid: Community training programs

🌏 Healthcare for Specific Communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Specific Health Services

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: Culturally appropriate care
• Close the Gap: Free medications for chronic conditions
• Indigenous health workers: Cultural liaisons and support
• Traditional medicine integration: Holistic health approaches
• Men’s and women’s business: Gender-specific health programs

LGBTI+ Healthcare

Inclusive Healthcare Access

• LGBTI+ friendly healthcare directories: QueerDoc, Gay-friendly GP
• Gender-affirming care: Specialist clinics and practitioners
• Sexual health services: STI testing, PrEP access
• Mental health support: LGBTI+-specific counseling services
• Trans health services: Hormone therapy, surgical referrals

Refugee and Migrant Health

Healthcare Access for New Arrivals

• Asylum seeker health services: Specialized clinics
• Interpreter services: Free medical interpreters
• Cultural health workers: Bridge language and cultural gaps
• Refugee health assessments: Comprehensive screening on arrival
• Torture and trauma services: Specialized mental health support

📱 Digital Health Tools and Technology

Telehealth Revolution

Maximizing Telehealth Benefits

TELEHEALTH ADVANTAGES:
📱 No travel time or costs
📱 Reduced waiting room exposure
📱 Access to specialists anywhere in Australia
📱 Same Medicare rebates as face-to-face
📱 Prescription delivery options
📱 Mental health appointments from home

Telehealth Platform Navigation

• GP practice platforms: HotDoc, HealthEngine booking systems
• Specialist telehealth: Many specialists now offer video consultations
• Mental health apps: Smiling Mind, MindSpot online therapy
• Prescription apps: InstantScripts, Pilot for basic medications
• Health monitoring: Apple Health, Google Fit integration with healthcare

Health Apps and Monitoring

Useful Health Management Apps

• MyMedicare: Claims, rebates, health records
• My Health Record: Centralized health information
• Medication reminders: MedSafe, MyTherapy apps
• Symptom tracking: For chronic conditions, mental health
• Emergency information: Medical ID on smartphones

🚨 Healthcare Emergency Action Plans

Medical Emergency Preparation

Personal Health Information Kit

EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION:
📋 Medicare card and private insurance details
📋 Current medication list with dosages
📋 Chronic condition summary and management plans
📋 Emergency contact information
📋 Advance care directives and power of attorney
📋 Specialist contact information
📋 Allergy and adverse reaction history

When Healthcare Bills Overwhelm

Immediate Actions:

• Contact billing departments immediately to arrange payment plans
• Check for financial hardship programs at hospitals
• Apply for medical expense rebates through private insurance
• Seek financial counseling through hospital social workers
• Investigate charity care programs for specific conditions

Navigating Healthcare Complaints

When Healthcare Goes Wrong

COMPLAINT ESCALATION PATHWAY:
**1. Practice manager or clinic director**
**2. Medical board complaints** (professional conduct)
**3. Health Care Complaints Commission** (each state)
**4. Commonwealth Ombudsman** (Medicare issues)
**5. Private Health Insurance Ombudsman**
**6. Legal advice** for negligence or serious harm

🌟 Healthcare Success Stories

Maria, 45 - Managed Diabetes Without Breaking the Bank

“Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was facing $200+ monthly in medical costs. Through a GP management plan, I get bulk-billed visits to dietitian, podiatrist, and diabetes educator. My medications hit the safety net after 4 months, so now they’re $7.70 each. Total monthly cost dropped from $200 to $35.”

Key strategies:

• Chronic disease management plan through GP
• PBS safety net optimization
• Community health services utilization
• Telehealth for routine monitoring

James, 28 - Accessed Mental Health Support

“Struggling with anxiety but couldn’t afford $180 private psychology sessions. My GP created a mental health plan giving me 20 Medicare-subsidized sessions. Found a bulk-billing psychologist through community mental health. Getting help without going into debt changed my life.”

Key strategies:

• GP mental health care plan
• Community mental health services
• Employee assistance program at work
• Online support groups for additional help

Sarah, Single Mum - Navigated Children’s Health Needs

“Three kids, no private insurance, living on parenting payment. Used community health for immunizations, school dental program for check-ups, and bulk-billing GP who sees whole family. When my son broke his arm, public hospital emergency was completely free.”

Key strategies:

• Community health center registration
• School-based health programs
• Public hospital emergency access
• Bulk-billing family practice

📋 Your Healthcare Optimization Plan

Week 1: Foundation Setup

• Register with MyMedicare and set up automatic claiming
• Find and register with bulk-billing GP practice
• Complete My Health Record profile
• Research community health services in your area
• Create personal health information emergency kit
• Calculate current healthcare spending and identify cost reduction opportunities

Week 2: Preventive Care

• Book age-appropriate screening tests (cancer screening, health checks)
• Schedule overdue dental check-up or get on public waiting list
• Update immunizations if needed
• Register with specialist services if chronic conditions present
• Research mental health support options in your area

Week 3: Cost Optimization

• Apply for healthcare concession cards if eligible
• Review all prescription medications for generic alternatives
• Set up PBS safety net tracking
• Research private health insurance options and benefits
• Identify emergency healthcare options in your area

Week 4: Long-term Strategy

• Create healthcare budget including preventive care
• Establish relationships with healthcare providers you trust
• Document chronic conditions and management strategies
• Plan for future healthcare needs based on age and family history
• Share knowledge with family and community about healthcare navigation

Remember: Healthcare is a Right, Not a Privilege

🧠 Mindset Shifts for Healthcare Success

• Prevention over cure: Invest in preventive care to avoid costly treatments
• Advocacy is essential: Don’t accept the first “no” - ask about alternatives
• Community resources exist: Many free and low-cost services available
• Your health has value: Don’t skip care due to cost - find alternatives
• Knowledge is power: Understanding the system helps you navigate it effectively

📞 Essential Healthcare Support Numbers

• healthdirect: 1800 022 222 (24/7 nurse helpline)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support)
• Poisons Information: 13 11 26 (24/7)
• Medicare: 132 011 (general inquiries)
• Private Health Insurance Ombudsman: 1800 640 695
• Health Care Complaints Commission: Varies by state

The Australian healthcare system is complex, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can access quality care without financial hardship. Every person deserves healthcare - your job is to learn how to navigate the system effectively.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Healthcare Access and Costs

Q: What percentage of Australian GPs bulk bill in 2025? A: Approximately 65% of GP consultations are bulk billed, down from 85% in 2020. Healthcare cardholders have higher bulk billing rates.

Q: How much does a GP visit cost without bulk billing? A: Non-bulk billing GP visits typically cost $50-80, with Medicare rebating $41.40, leaving $10-40+ out-of-pocket costs.

Q: Can I see a specialist without a GP referral? A: You can see a specialist without referral, but you won’t get Medicare rebates. GP referrals are required for Medicare benefits.

Q: How long is the wait for public hospital elective surgery? A: Wait times vary: Category 1 (urgent) 30 days, Category 2 (semi-urgent) 90 days, Category 3 (non-urgent) up to 365 days.

Q: What’s the difference between public and private health insurance? A: Public system (Medicare) is free but may have wait times. Private insurance offers choice of doctor, private hospital rooms, and shorter wait times for elective procedures.

Medicare and Bulk Billing

Q: How do I find bulk billing doctors near me? A: Use MyMedicare app, Healthdirect website, or call practices directly. Community health centers usually bulk bill all patients.

Q: What is Medicare Safety Net and how does it work? A: After spending $560.60 on out-of-pocket medical costs in a year, Medicare pays 80% of subsequent out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital services.

Q: Can I claim Medicare rebates immediately? A: Yes, with Medicare online claiming or Express Plus Medicare app. Many providers offer instant claiming on-site.

Q: Do I need private health insurance? A: Not mandatory, but Medicare Levy Surcharge applies to higher income earners without private hospital cover. Consider based on your health needs and income.

Mental Health Services

Q: How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover? A: Up to 20 psychology sessions per calendar year with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Sessions are rebated $85.55-$142.20.

Q: Can I see a psychologist without a mental health plan? A: Yes, but you’ll pay full cost ($120-250+ per session). Mental health plan provides significant Medicare rebates.

Q: How do I get emergency mental health help? A: Call Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or go to hospital emergency department. Crisis teams available through public hospitals.

Q: Are there free mental health services available? A: Yes: community mental health services, Beyond Blue support groups, university psychology training clinics, and some bulk billing psychologists.

Prescription Medications

Q: What is PBS Safety Net for medications? A: After spending $316.80 on PBS medicines in a year (general patients), subsequent scripts cost maximum $7.70. Concession cardholders threshold is $80.80.

Q: How much cheaper are generic medications? A: Generic medicines typically cost 60-80% less than brand names with identical active ingredients and therapeutic effects.

Q: Can I get 90-day prescriptions to save money? A: Yes, for eligible chronic conditions. 90-day prescriptions reduce dispensing fees and pharmacy visits.

Dental and Optical Care

Q: Is dental care covered by Medicare? A: Limited coverage. Medicare covers some oral surgery in hospitals. Most dental care requires private payment or private health insurance.

Q: How do I access public dental care? A: Apply through your state’s public dental system with healthcare or pensioner concession card. Wait times can be 6-24+ months.

Q: Are eye tests covered by Medicare? A: Yes, optometry consultations are covered every 2 years (more frequently for diabetics or other conditions). Glasses/contact lenses aren’t covered.

Emergency Healthcare

Q: Can hospitals refuse to treat me if I can’t pay? A: No, public hospital emergency departments cannot refuse emergency treatment. Payment discussions happen after treatment.

Q: Should I go to emergency department or urgent care? A: Emergency for life-threatening conditions. Use urgent care clinics, GP after-hours, or telehealth for non-emergency issues to avoid long ED waits.

Q: What should I bring to hospital emergency department? A: Medicare card, ID, medication list, any relevant test results, and someone to support you if possible.

Healthcare Cards and Concessions

Q: What healthcare benefits do pensioners get? A: Pensioner Concession Card provides cheaper PBS medications ($7.70 max), bulk billing preference, and state-based concessions for dental, optical, and transport.

Q: How do I get a Healthcare Card? A: Apply through Centrelink if receiving certain payments or meet low-income thresholds. Provides access to bulk billing and cheaper medications.

Q: What’s the difference between Healthcare Card and Pensioner Concession Card? A: Both provide similar medical benefits. Pensioner card also includes broader state-based concessions and automatic healthcare concessions.

Specialist and Hospital Care

Q: How much do specialists charge above Medicare rebate? A: Varies widely. Some bulk bill, others charge $50-300+ above Medicare rebate. Ask about costs before booking appointments.

Q: Can I choose my specialist in the public system? A: Generally no, you’re assigned to available specialists. Private system offers choice of specialist but higher costs.

Q: What happens if I can’t afford specialist treatment? A: Ask about payment plans, public hospital options, bulk billing specialists, or financial hardship programs. Don’t skip treatment due to cost.

Digital Health and Telehealth

Q: Are telehealth consultations cheaper than face-to-face? A: Same Medicare rebates apply. May save transport costs and time. Many GPs bulk bill telehealth consultations.

Q: Can I get prescriptions through telehealth? A: Yes, for ongoing conditions and some new conditions. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to pharmacies.

Q: What is My Health Record and should I have one? A: Electronic health record shared between healthcare providers. Opt-in system that can improve care coordination and reduce duplicate tests.

This guide provides general information about Australian healthcare access and should not replace professional medical advice. Healthcare policies and costs change regularly - always verify current information with healthcare providers and government agencies. Seek professional advice for specific medical conditions.