Hospital emergency departments
A hospital emergency department (ED) provides urgent medical care. Find out why and when you might need to go to an ED, what happens when you get there, and what you need to do before leaving.
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The public and private hospital systems
Choosing between a private and a public hospital can be confusing. Find out how your choices for treatment and care can differ.
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Hospital discharge planning
Hospital discharge planning aims to make sure that once you leave hospital you continue to get the right healthcare from the right people. Read more.
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Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and you should go to hospital immediately if it happens.
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Mental health services by state and territory
State and territory governments offer hospital, emergency and community mental health services. Learn about services available in your region.
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Diagnosis of psychosis
The first step in diagnosing psychosis is to see a doctor or mental health team at a hospital. Psychosis is treatable, so it’s important to seek help.
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Coma
In a coma, a person is alive but totally unresponsive to the world around them. Someone in a coma will need intensive care in hospital. Find out more here.
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Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction will cause you serious health problems and people with bowel obstruction usually need to be treated in hospital. Find out more here.
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What is an ambulance?
An ambulance is a vehicle equipped to provide emergency care to sick or injured people and to get them to hospital. Learn more here about how much ambulances cost and when you should call one.
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Your baby and the first few weeks
The first few weeks at home with your newborn can be an exciting but daunting time, particularly if you are new parents. Find out what care and support are available to you after you leave hospital.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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What is a referral?
A referral is a letter from a doctor, asking a specialist (or other health professional) for a diagnosis or treatment. If you see the specialist without a referral, Medicare will not cover any of your costs.
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Tasmania rural and remote health services
Tasmania's rural and isolated regions make careful planning and preparation essential to help you meet the challenge of accessing health services.
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What does a neurologist do?
A neurologist is a specialist physician who treats conditions like epilepsy that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
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Australia’s healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system can sometimes seem confusing. This information will help you understand the types of service available.
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What does an ophthalmologist do?
Ophthalmologists (also called eye doctors or eye surgeons) specialise in eye diseases. Learn what ophthalmologists do – they are not the same as optometrists.
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What do paediatricians do?
Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers. They deal with illnesses and children’s physical, mental and behavioural development.
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What does a neurosurgeon do?
Neurosurgeons, also known as brain surgeons, specialise in the surgical treatment and management of conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system.
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What is a urologist?
Urologists are surgeons who specialise in treating problems of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and adrenal glands in men, women and children.
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What is a haematologist?
A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats conditions that affect the blood – such as leukaemia and haemophilia – and the organs that make the blood.
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What is an oncologist?
An oncologist investigates, diagnoses and treats people with cancer or suspected cancer. There are 3 main types: surgical, medical and radiation oncologists.
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What does a geriatrician do?
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who cares for people aged 65 and over. Most are experts at helping people who have multiple conditions.
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Maternity care in Australia
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, find out what care, support and services may be available to you in Australia.
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Australian mental health services
It can be difficult to understand how the complex mental health system in Australia operates. Learn how you can access the care you need.
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Private health insurance – what’s changing on April 1?
Australians with private health insurance will see their premiums rise on April 1, as well as some big reforms to the health insurance system. Here's what you need to know.
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Rehabilitation after illness or injury
Rehabilitation after illness or injury aims to help you recover. Learn more about rehabilitation services, the specialised health professionals involved, and how they can help.
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Community nursing
Community health nurses work with people and their families to help prevent disease, maintain health and treat any existing health problems.
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Northern Territory rural and remote health services
NT health services support some very remote areas, so they are not always readily available. It's important to prepare for when you need help.
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How do I pay for healthcare?
The Australian Government helps to keep down the cost of healthcare for most people who live here. This article covers the most common questions about how to pay for your healthcare.
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