Planning and coordinating healthcare

The Victorian healthcare system comprises a wide range of health professionals working alongside one another to provide medical and health services.

The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved to Victoria from overseas may need catch-up immunisations.

Patient-centred care, also known as ‘person-centred care’, is about treating the person receiving the care in the way they want to be treated.

Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health care system when they have a health problem. This is usually your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.

Virtual care (otherwise known as telehealth) allows consumers and patients to access health care closer to home or in the home. Virtual care can involve both phone and video consultations.

Your healthcare team may include a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, medical specialists, allied health professionals and complementary medicine practitioners.

If you see a number of healthcare professionals, it is important to tell them about any other healthcare services you are using.

There are many subsidised and free medical, dental, mental, community health services available to support young people in Victoria.

Disability aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walking frames and braces can help people with disabilities and the elderly gain more independence.

There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.

Home care services are available for people recovering from illness or surgery, frail older people, the elderly and people with disabilities.

There is a range of community health services and supports available for people with disabilities and the elderly still living independently at home.

You may be able to receive hospital care in the comfort of home, making your treatment easier and helping you to recover faster.

Support groups offer valuable advice and support and give you the chance to share information with others in a similar situation to you.

Virtual care (otherwise known as telehealth) allows consumers and patients to access health care closer to home or in the home. Virtual care can involve both phone and video consultations.

The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved to Victoria from overseas may need catch-up immunisations.

Planning and making decisions about the end of your life can be a positive experience. It is a good opportunity to reflect on the things that are important to you, and to make arrangements that suit you.

Chronic condition management includes positive lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep and social support.

You can manage your health by learning about healthy living, taking steps to prevent disease and having regular health checks with your doctor.

Regular health checks can help you identify any early signs of health issues.

Find out how to use medication properly, so you can avoid problems such as unwanted effects and other adverse reactions.

Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important to you about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want.

For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.

Family members may be involved in making healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions and it is not a medical emergency.

People may choose to travel overseas to seek medical or surgical treatment that is unavailable in their home country. This is called medical tourism, and it's a booming industry worldwide. People thinking about medical tourism should carefully consider the risks, their legal options if something goes wrong, and what their insurance covers.

You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis.

Doctors and other health professionals all have a different role to play in your healthcare.

Virtual care (otherwise known as telehealth) allows consumers and patients to access health care closer to home or in the home. Virtual care can involve both phone and video consultations.

People may choose to travel overseas to seek medical or surgical treatment that is unavailable in their home country. This is called medical tourism, and it's a booming industry worldwide. People thinking about medical tourism should carefully consider the risks, their legal options if something goes wrong, and what their insurance covers.

Ask your doctor and healthcare providers what you will be charged for each new service, what is covered by Medicare and what is included in your healthcare plan.

There are many health insurance providers on the market that offer a wide variety of healthcare plans.

Medicare is Australia’s national public health insurance, providing free or subsidised healthcare to all Australians and most permanent residents.

Trusted health information can be found through your local doctor or pharmacy and other reliable health providers.

Don't use online health information to self-diagnose - always see your doctor or healthcare professional.

Ask a doctor and research health information when making a health decision. This will include the cost, timing and regularity of medical treatment.

People may choose to travel overseas to seek medical or surgical treatment that is unavailable in their home country. This is called medical tourism, and it's a booming industry worldwide. People thinking about medical tourism should carefully consider the risks, their legal options if something goes wrong, and what their insurance covers.

A Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet gives you accurate information about the safety of your medication and how best to take it.

Nurse-on-Call is a free, confidential telephone helpline that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You may need outside help to resolve problems and ensure your relationship stays healthy and strong.

Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important to you about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want.

There are laws that set out how healthcare professionals can collect and store your health information and when they are allowed to share it.