More on Healthcare in Oz

The first official things we did once landed in Oz as permanent residents, and I literally mean during the first 3-4 days, were to get the drivers license (picture taken and fat fee paid), get a taxation number, and get the Medicare (universal healthcare) card. So, we could immediately go see a doctor if needed to. I thought this was extremely admirable and it showed deep caring for citizens on behalf of the Australian government. It should be the same in all countries of the world. This is how this type of healthcare works. When I get sick, I call the local government-supported clinic and make an appointment. There are about 5 doctors and a Pathology collection room. I can request to see a certain doctor or, if my ache is serious and I need immediate help, the first available doctor will see me. Patients "belong" to the clinic, not to a GP (General Practitioner). It's hard to establish a relationship with your doctor, but if you always go to the same one that you like, you may be able to do it. Each appointment is 10 min or 20 min, if an annual or a more complex check-up is needed. Cost is $63, but I get reimbursed $39 from Medicare. The clinic submits the paperwork and money is put back into my bank account, which is registered with Medicare. Elegant and efficient. If I am not registered, I need to go to a Medicare office and get reimbursed. They are normally in large shopping centers and contrary to banks and most post offices, they are open on Saturday morning. The doctor can give me referrals for specialists or imaging, pathology, etc. None of these other places takes my private insurance, which is only good for hospital stays and a few "extras" but I'll tell you more tomorrow about private insurance. If I tell the GP that I am willing to pay out-of-pocket, I can be sent to a private office for imaging, where the wait is very short, reverse proportional to the price. If I rely only on Medicare, the wait is often so long I'm likely to die or forget I have ever been sick. The price is low and part of the fees are reimbursed by Medicare. Specialists also take Medicare, because private insurance covers only hospital stays. The fees are very high, but Medicare reimburses a certain percentage, and if someone reaches a certain threshold, they are reimbursed a higher percentage of the fees. Today's picture is entitled "Sharing a secret" and it was awarded a small prize by the Michael's Camera store in Melbourne in May. I am not sure if the two sulphur-crested white cockatoos were talking about Medicare...