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Location: Back in Melbourne.....home of road rage and aggression
402 posts, read 1,160,441 times
Reputation: 526
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minibrings
Impossible. Dont you know everything is better in America and Americans in ented everything useful on this planet?
Well I guess that explains the Aussie fascination with American "stuff".
The Aussie health care system is a public health care system, available to the vast majority of people living here. There isn't a public health scheme that caters to the average citizen in the US (which gives Oz the advantage point; I think there should be a Medicare-like set up in the US). to compare the Australian HCs to the American HCS is a little unfair. Like comparing a real apple to a plastic one and declaring the real apple the better fruit.....ya reckon? Aside from the difference in having Medicare (Oz) and not having Medicare (US), i don't see any material difference. I just don't really see that the level of care in Australia is all that superior. Serviceable, yes, but no better than the US. in Australia you still only get a 10 minute consult, the scheduling is (in my experience) much more appalling than in the US (I've never waited 45-90 minutes for a scheduled appointment in the US, and I lived there for 30 years, been here for 10, and have yet to get in and out of a doctors surgery in less than 2 hours), doctors are often patronizing at best, like someone said you don't dare ask for an extra blanket/pillow in hospital, and most hospitals/medical centres appear circa 1980 or worse in regards to fittings and furnishings. I personally find the Medicare system satisfactory and am glad to have it (have private insurance as well though) although aside from bulk billing (for those places that actually do it) i am rather underwhelmed with the rest. It's sufficient, but it's not the end all be all. And I don't know about anywhere else in Oz but Melbourne has only just (last couple of years?) cottoned on to the concept of a general medical centre that is open 24/7 to cater for medical needs that are not emergency room situations--appointments given priority, walk ins essentially seen in order of arrival. To me, for a country that prides itself on its 'medical forefront-ness' it sure is behind the times n some areas. The US has had them around for years (immediate Care center....aren't they pretty much nationwide now? My BIL manages one in my hometown and he said they have them everywhere) they're a great resource and like the ER they can't turn anyone away, not fancy, but gets the job done--when you're sick as a dog, but not bad enough to head for the triage at the ER because you know that is going to be a looooong night.
Last edited by tigerlillydownunder; 05-30-2012 at 03:10 AM..
Well I guess that explains the Aussie fascination with American "stuff".
The Aussie health care system is a public health care system, available to the vast majority of people living here. There isn't a public health scheme that caters to the average citizen in the US (which gives Oz the advantage point; I think there should be a Medicare-like set up in the US). to compare the Australian HCs to the American HCS is a little unfair. Like comparing a real apple to a plastic one and declaring the real apple the better fruit.....ya reckon? Aside from the difference in having Medicare (Oz) and not having Medicare (US), i don't see any material difference.
I just don't really see that the level of care in Australia is all that superior. Serviceable, yes, but no better than the US. in Australia you still only get a 10 minute consult, the scheduling is (in my experience) much more appalling than in the US (I've never waited 45-90 minutes for a scheduled appointment in the US, and I lived there for 30 years, been here for 10, and have yet to get in and out of a doctors surgery in less than 2 hours),
um, where are you going for the dr? One of those bulk-billing clinics?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigerlillydownunder
doctors are often patronizing at best, like someone said you don't dare ask for an extra blanket/pillow in hospital, and most hospitals/medical centres appear circa 1980 or worse in regards to fittings and furnishings.
Dr's at the bulk billing clinics,generally overworked.... My GP is amazing. She was so thorough when I was sick late last year, organising appointments calling her specialist sister for me when I was in her rooms...
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigerlillydownunder
I personally find the Medicare system satisfactory and am glad to have it (have private insurance as well though) although aside from bulk billing (for those places that actually do it) i am rather underwhelmed with the rest. It's sufficient, but it's not the end all be all. And I don't know about anywhere else in Oz but Melbourne has only just (last couple of years?) cottoned on to the concept of a general medical centre that is open 24/7 to cater for medical needs that are not emergency room situations--appointments given priority, walk ins essentially seen in order of arrival. To me, for a country that prides itself on its 'medical forefront-ness' it sure is behind the times n some areas.
Dunno.. we had a clinic near us that was open extended hours when I was growing up, out in the 'burbs. Melbourne has gone through major changes the past 10 years...
Not surprised this is more common now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigerlillydownunder
The US has had them around for years (immediate Care center....aren't they pretty much nationwide now? My BIL manages one in my hometown and he said they have them everywhere) they're a great resource and like the ER they can't turn anyone away, not fancy, but gets the job done--when you're sick as a dog, but not bad enough to head for the triage at the ER because you know that is going to be a looooong night.
I hope people don't go to ER just because they've got a head cold here. Absolutely no reason to do so.
I think Australia has a fantastic health system. We just moved to America and honestly, I just don't know how the whole health system hasn't imploded in a heap. I can't fathom how health is such big business (it seems like half the ads I see on TV are for some health thing or other) and how so many have little or no access to health care.
The worst, worst, worst thing about Oz health is lack of dental. It's pricey to go to the dentist. I just had four fillings for $550. Highway robbery...
Pros:
In Oz we pay a pittance for health care. No one even notices the 1.5% levy that funds it all - it's just part of our taxes. If you choose to take out additional private cover (around 30% of people do this) then you get a partial waiver of the levy.
Everyone is covered, no matter who they are. No exceptions, no exclusions etc etc. If you are sick or injured you get excellent health care, always.
It is easy to access care. If you hurt yourself or are sick enough you go to the emergency room. If you need a doctor, you can generally get in to see one very quickly. Most towns and cities have after hours caregivers.
You can choose extra cover. Private health insurance (PHI) is quite inexpensive. It's about $100 a month for family cover for top hospital cover, around $150 with 'extras' (optical, dental, physio, alternative care, several other things where medicare - the main public health system - provides little or no rebates). You get a partial discount (about 30%) back on the medicare levy (1.5% of your wage).
Again, the care is excellent. You can choose your family doctor (one of the common arguments I hear against 'socialised health care' is the absurd idea that the government dictates where you will go to the doctor - WTF? There are always a huge range of doctors around. They set their own prices - you get back a 'schedule fee' which is the amount medicare thinks it should cost to see a doctor outside an emergency room, where it is free. Depending on location you pay up to $40 for a visit above the medicare rebate (so about $70). Other doctors 'bulk bill' which means they charge nothing. In the suburbs near Brisbane all doctors I found bulk billed. It varies quite a bit. Some doctors bulk bill for kids and not adults.)
Cons:
In some areas it is hard to get a good GP (general family doctor you visit). I find very good GPs are sometimes harder to get into and are more likely to charge higher fees. I've also found plenty of excellent bulk billing doctors. It all depends on location really.
If you have no PHI and you want elective surgery there is a public waiting list. Depending on area and type of procedure it can be a long wait. You can always get PHI but will need to wait at least 12 months for a prexisting condition in general.
If you want to guarantee that you can choose your own specialist in hospital or for public surgery you need PHI. This isn't generally a problem. Most doctors are excellent and there is usually some choice. If you have private cover you can choose but specialist appointment costs aren't covered. i.e. the actual in hospital stuf like surgery is covered with PHI, but not the consultations, which can be pricey for a private specialist.
e.g. to have a baby privately - cost under medicare - about nil. Cost private - private obsetrician fees approx $1000-5000 out of pocket all up BUT you choose the doctor, hospital, usually have private room etc. All the delivery, theatre, hospital costs are covered. You need to shop around. You can always choose to go public at any time - there is no obligation to go private if you have PHI.
Sigh.
I really wish I could move back home to Oz.
This, plus the cost of education, is bloody killing me. And I'm one of the lucky ones in this country.
Another thing the system does not cover in Australia is hearing loss (if you dont have a health Care card). Im started loosing my hearing as a teenager, and have had to purchase hearing aids once every couple of years since my 18th birthday.
I could think of many better ways to blow 8-10k once every 3 years, espcially when I was in my first job fresh out of university
Last edited by danielsa1775; 06-03-2012 at 06:54 PM..
In Oz we pay a pittance for health care. No one even notices the 1.5% levy that funds it all - it's just part of our taxes. If you choose to take out additional private cover (around 30% of people do this) then you get a partial waiver of the levy.
The Medicare levy doesn't come close to covering the cost of the public health system. It would need to be about 8% if it was to actually fund it all. It is funded out of general revenue, with a token amount being contributed by the levy.
The worst, worst, worst thing about Oz health is lack of dental. It's pricey to go to the dentist. I just had four fillings for $550. Highway robbery...
Costs are about the same in the US. Fewer jobs offer "dennal" than offer normal health care. Vision and hearing are also extra costs on many plans.
Yup, dental is extra and is not nearly as comprehensive as health insurance. F'rinstance, a checkup is covered 100% but if you need crowns or braces or whatever, there's a set amount that is paid, and the rest is up to you. The amount varies based on your plan, but generally if you get 50% of the cost paid by the insurance, count yourself lucky.
Location: Back in Melbourne.....home of road rage and aggression
402 posts, read 1,160,441 times
Reputation: 526
Quote:
Originally Posted by artemis agrotera
um, where are you going for the dr? One of those bulk-billing clinics?
Dr's at the bulk billing clinics,generally overworked.... My GP is amazing. She was so thorough when I was sick late last year, organising appointments calling her specialist sister for me when I was in her rooms...
Dunno.. we had a clinic near us that was open extended hours when I was growing up, out in the 'burbs. Melbourne has gone through major changes the past 10 years...
Not surprised this is more common now.
I hope people don't go to ER just because they've got a head cold here. Absolutely no reason to do so.
I have attended surgeries of a few GPs, and also rooms at walk in bulk billing clinics. Overworked, overbooked, over priced, over hyped.........I have been largely underwhelmed by the care at either. I must be old fashioned but I need to build a working relationship of sorts with my GP. I hate when I have to go back for a follow up that they've requested, they've got my file open and yet I still have to start from square one because they can't be bothered remembering anything about me. I'm just another account to settle up at the desk before I go. I think most people feel that way these days.
Regarding good GPs...Have only found one decent GP in my 10 years, and he was in Perth and then we relocated back to Melbourne, so I never got to see him again. Lovely bedside manner, and took a genuine interest in you as a person/patient, not just another 10 minute check in. If your GP is that good, I am happy for you, but her making a special call to her sister who is a specialist sounds like she's merely keeping business in the family....doubt she'd have done it of it weren't her sister. Or maybe she would, who knows. Bottom line, If you've got a good GP, I advise hanging on to her for dear life.
I got the info about the super clinics being a recent addition to Melbourne from a friend who is a nurse. I assumed that shed know what she was talking about, maybe not. Still, I told some co-worked I'd gone to a super clinic, and they didn't know what that was. I explained it but they said they'd never heard of that kind of thing. Maybe they just never get sick?
And I don't know if it's common place to hit the ER for anything other than actual emergencies--I've yet to visit the ER in Oz (knock wood) but my friend the nurse says they get all kinds of stuff at her hospital at all hours. Everything from head colds (I agree no need for that but some people are just sooks) to people trying to score drugs. I gather it's not quite as common as in the US but that nit does happen here as well.
FWIW, I think the health care system, as in Medicare, bulk billing, accessible health care for pretty much everyone....is a great thing and superior to the overall system in the US where it's either have health coverage or hit the ER. But I think because everyone has Medicare and thus will go to the doctor quicker, that it's caused a traffic jam, hence the 10minute appointments and doctors who, to play on words, don't care if you live or die, and just use the easiest excuse they know of so they can shove you out the revolving door the quickest. Right now the pet blame is weight and obesity. Everything from serious conditions (diabetes, high BP, cancer) to fluff complaints (dermatitis, ingrown toenails, conjunctivitis) is blamed on weight.....but thats a whole other post.
Last edited by tigerlillydownunder; 06-05-2012 at 06:18 AM..
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