Your health costs
Your access to services
- Who can access the breast screening program?
- Where can I access magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services?
- Am I eligible for breast screening services under Medicare?
- Where can I access radiotherapy services?
- What information is available on radiation oncology and radiotherapy?
- Where can I go to get cancer information and support?
- How is access to services being improved?
- How are new technologies and services assessed for a rebate through Medicare?
- What can I do if the service my specialist has recommended is not funded under Medicare?
Your rights
- What are my healthcare rights?
- What are my rights and responsibilities as a patient in a private hospital?
Your health costs
MBS Online website
MBS Online contains the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), a listing of the Medicare services subsidised by the Australian Government. The schedule may be searched by key word or item number to identify the types of services covered, and the benefit available.
Your access to services
Mammography screening
If you are a woman between the age of 50 and 74 years you may be eligible for a free screening mammogram every two years. TheBreastScreen Australia program operates in over 600 locations nationwide and while the program targets women aged 50-74 years without symptoms, other women aged 40-49 and 75 years and older may also be screened.
MBS Online website
MBS Online contains the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), a listing of the Medicare services subsidised by the Australian Government. The schedule may be searched by key word or item number to identify the types of services covered, and the benefit available.
Mammography screening
If you are a woman between the age of 50 and 74 years you may be eligible for a free screening mammogram every two years. TheBreastScreen Australia program operates in over 600 locations nationwide and while the program targets women aged 50-74 years without symptoms, other women aged 40-49 and 75 years and older may also be screened.
The Department of Health website provides information to assist you in location of your closest Medicare eligible MRI facility.
This web page provides information on access to Medicare for breast scanning services, including:
- eligibility for rebate of MRI breast scans
- access to mammography and ultrasound scans.
A list of treatment facility locations in each state and territory is available on the Department of Health website.
This web page provides information on:
- radiation oncology and radiotherapy services
- cancer treatment options links to services sand who to contact for access to accommodation and the Patient Assistance Transport schemes.
Cancer Australia is Australia’s national authority in cancer control, established to benefit all Australians affected by cancer and their families and carers.
The Cancer Australia website provides a central source of evidence-based information, resources and data for people affected by cancer, health professionals, researchers, educators, decision makers and the wider community.
A breast prosthesis
The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program aims to improve the quality of life of women who have undergone mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.
It provides reimbursements of up to $400 for both new and replacement external breast prostheses for eligible women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.
Reimbursement Claim Form
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre project
Comprehensive Cancer Centres
Quality cancer services that are accessible to all Australians, including those living in rural and regional areas, are a priority.
Integrated Cancer Centres is a major initiative that includes building two state-of-the-art integrated cancer centres – The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) in Melbourne.
The VCCC project is delivering a new $1 billion facility purpose built for cancer research, treatment and care in Melbourne. It is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments and will include the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre. Construction commenced in 2011 and service delivery will commence in 2016.
Telehealth
People in Telehealth eligible areas of Australia have access to specialist video consultations under Medicare. This provides many patients with easier access to specialists, without the time and expense involved in travelling to major cities.
Medicare rebates for specialist video consultations
Classic double helix
Medicare aims to ensure that all Australians have access to free or low-cost medical, optometry, midwifery and hospital care and, in special circumstances, allied health services.
In 2012-13, Medicare rebates were provided for 343.6 million services in Australia, an average of 14.8 services per person.
New medical technologies and procedures are not necessarily more effective and safer than existing health services.
The comparative safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new, amended and reviewed medical services are assessed by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).
MSAC provides advice to the Minister for Health for decision.
The Department of Health is required to consider the financial impact, submit the proposed changes for consideration by government, and draft and implement legislative change before an item is included or amended on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Talk to your specialist to discuss treatment options and fees, including co-payments (the part of the bill that you pay).
Your rights
The Australian Charter
of Healthcare Rights
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights was developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare.The Charter specifies the key rights of patients and consumers when seeking or receiving healthcare services.
The Private Patients' Hospital Charter outlines your rights and responsibilities as a private patient in a public or private hospital.
Translations of the Charter in 19 languages