As we age, we tend to use hospital services more frequently and may even experience longer hospital stays. To be prepared for a hospital visit, it’s essential to understand how Australia’s hospital system operates.
Australia has 2 hospital options you can choose from:
- Public
- Private.
Public Hospital:
Australia’s public hospitals are covered by Medicare and are free to anyone with a Medicare number.
If you are a public patient, you will be:
- Treated by a doctor chosen by the hospital
- Not be charged for medical services or any overnight stays
- Your follow-up care will be provided in an outpatient clinic
Private Hospital:
Private hospital care is paid by the patient or their health insurance provider. You may still have to cover out-of-pocket expenses depending on your level of cover.
If you are a private patient, you can:
- Choose your own doctor
- Avoid long waiting times for elective surgery
- May choose when to book elective surgery
- Receive a private room
- Your chosen doctor will provide follow-up care
You always have the choice to be treated at a private or public hospital.
Discharged from the hospital as an older patient
When you are healthy enough to go home, the hospital will create a discharge plan for you.
The discharge plan will ensure your transition from the hospital to your home is smooth. The plan will ensure that you will continue to receive care at an outpatient clinic.
The Discharge planner at the hospital will work with you, your family, your carer or any staff involved in your treatment.
For older Australians, the government has guidelines for hospital staff to find suitable care support for them.
If you are not well enough to go home on your own or are unable to go home, the hospital discharge planner will work with:
- My aged care
- Department of Health and Aged Care Local Network
For elderly people who require support for a short period of time, there is the option for transitional care or Residential respite care, depending on your needs.
Read here to navigate and access the aged care system.
Resources
