Translation Notice: This page has been automatically translated. While we aim for accuracy, automated translations may contain errors. For critical health information, please refer to the English version.
📚

Learn the System

Plain-English guides to navigating Australian healthcare.

No guides match this filter.
💰 Medicare & Costs
🌍
RHCA Country Checker
Check what Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) covers in the UK, NZ, Ireland.
🆓
What Is Bulk Billing in Australia?
Bulk billing means your GP charges Medicare directly — you pay nothing. Who qualifies, why.
📋
GP Care Plan — What Is It & What Happens Next?
Your GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) gives you up to 5 Medicare-funded allied.
💊
Closing the Gap PBS
The Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Measure reduces or removes the cost of PBS medicines.
🦷
Dental Costs in Australia
How much does a dentist cost in Australia? Typical prices for check-ups, fillings, crowns.
📱
Digital Medicare Card
You can't add Medicare to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet — it lives in the myGov app wallet.
💰
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Specialists?
Private health insurance does NOT cover out-of-hospital specialist visits. Learn what Medicare.
🎖
Adding a Condition to Your DVA White Card
How to add a new condition to your DVA White Card in Australia. Step-by-step path for veterans.
🎖️
What Does My DVA Card Cover?
DVA Gold Card: covers all health care at no cost. White Card: accepted conditions only. Orange.
🧾
Why Did I Get a Bill from My Doctor?
Got an unexpected bill after seeing your GP or specialist? Understand Medicare gap fees.
🏥
How Medicare Works
How does Medicare work in Australia? Interactive visual guide — bulk billing, gap fees.
✈️
International Visitors Health Guide
Can visitors get a temporary Medicare card in Australia? Which countries qualify.
🦬
Long COVID & Medicare
What does Medicare cover for long COVID symptoms in Australia? Care plans, mental health.
🏥
Medicare FAQ
Medicare in Australia explained. Bulk billing, out-of-pocket costs, Safety Net, referrals.
💰
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) Australia
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are free with your Medicare card. Walk in, no appointment, no.
🏥
My Health Record
What is My Health Record? How to access your test results, prescriptions, and discharge.
💳
My Medicare Account Online
How to access your Medicare online account through myGov or the Medicare app. Check claims.
🧩
NDIS & Medicare — Who Pays for What?
NDIS or Medicare — who funds physio, psychology, OT, equipment, and hospital? Interactive.
💰
NDSS — The National Diabetes Services Scheme
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS): subsidised test strips, pen needles and continuous.
🏥
Private Health Insurance in Australia
Is private health insurance worth it in Australia? What hospital cover and extras cover.
🏥
Private vs Public Hospital
Private vs public hospital — what does Medicare cover, what does private health insurance.
💰
What does "Category 1, 2, 3" mean on my referral?
What 'Category 1, 2 or 3' means on a referral or hospital waiting list, state by state.
📄
GP Referrals Explained
Standard GP referrals last 12 months. Indefinite referrals don't expire. See timeframes.
📱
Telehealth Guide
How telehealth works in Australia. When you can use phone or video GP consultations, what's.
🔬 Tests & Results Explained
🧪
What Does My Blood Test Mean?
Search common blood tests and pathology results explained in plain English. FBC, UEC, LFT.
🔬
Tests & Pathology Explained
Plain-English guides to common blood tests, pathology results, and medical tests in Australia.
🫀
What Does an Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Diagnosis Mean?
A plain English explanation of atrial fibrillation — what AF is, stroke risk, anticoagulation.
🫘
What Does CKD Stage 3 Mean?
A plain English explanation of chronic kidney disease Stage 3 — what the staging means.
🩺
What Does a High Blood Pressure Diagnosis Mean?
Plain-English guide to a hypertension diagnosis — what the numbers mean, how it's confirmed.
💉
What Does a High Cholesterol Diagnosis Mean?
A plain English explanation of high cholesterol — what LDL and HDL mean, treatment options.
🦴
What Does an Osteoarthritis Diagnosis Mean?
A plain English explanation of osteoarthritis — what it is, how it's diagnosed.
🍬
What Does a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Mean?
A plain English explanation of type 2 diabetes — what it is, how it's diagnosed, what happens.
🔬
What Is a Bone Density Scan?
A bone density scan (DEXA) measures bone strength and screens for osteoporosis.
🏃
Exercise Stress Test
What is an exercise stress test? Why your GP refers you for a treadmill ECG.
🦵
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test
What is an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test? Why your GP orders it, what the numbers mean.
🩺
24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor
What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)? Why your GP orders a 24-hour BP monitor.
🫀
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)
What is an echocardiogram? Why your GP refers you for a heart ultrasound, what it shows.
🫀
Coronary Artery Calcium Score
What is a coronary artery calcium score? What the Agatston score means, why it matters.
🫀
What Is a Cholesterol Test?
A cholesterol test measures LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Learn what each.
🧪
What Is CK?
CK (creatine kinase, also called CPK) is a blood test that measures muscle enzyme levels.
🔥
What Is a CRP Test?
CRP and ESR blood tests explained — what these inflammation markers measure, why GPs order.
🫀
What Is eGFR?
What does your eGFR result mean? Plain-English guide to eGFR — what is normal, what low eGFR.
🩸
What Is a Full Blood Count (FBC)?
A Full Blood Count measures red cells, white cells, and platelets. Learn what each component.
🍬
What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c measures your average blood glucose over 2–3 months. Learn what it tests for, why GPs.
💓
Holter Monitor
What is a Holter monitor? Why your GP orders ambulatory ECG monitoring, how it works.
🟤
What Are Liver Function Tests (LFTs)?
Liver function tests (LFTs) measure ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and albumin. Learn.
🔬
What is pharmacogenomics? Genes and your medicines
Plain-English guide to pharmacogenomics: how your genes can affect how you respond.
🔵
What Is a PSA Test?
The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Learn what it tests for, why GPs.
🦋
What Is a TSH Test?
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) is the main test for thyroid function. Learn.
🦶
What Is a Uric Acid Test?
The uric acid (urate) blood test explained — what it measures, why GPs order it, its link.
🧬
What Is a Vitamin B12 Test?
Vitamin B12 and folate blood tests explained — what they measure, why GPs order them.
☀️
What Is a Vitamin D Test?
A vitamin D blood test measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D in nmol/L. Learn what it checks, why GPs.
📋 Preparing for Tests & Procedures
🏥
After Surgery
Just had surgery? What's normal, how to care for your wound, when you can drive, eat.
🩹
After Your Procedure
Just had a minor procedure at the GP? Wound care instructions, when to change dressings, pain.
❤️
How to Prepare for an ECG
ECG prep in plain English. Resting ECG: almost no prep. Stress/exercise ECG: comfortable.
🩸
Do I Need to Fast for My Blood Test?
Do you need to fast for a blood test? FBC and UEC — no. Lipids, fasting glucose, iron studies.
🍬
Glucose Tolerance Test
Step-by-step preparation guide for a glucose tolerance test (GTT / OGTT) in Australia.
🍬
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
How to prepare for a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in Australia. Fasting instructions.
🍽️
Fasting Blood Test Prep
How long to fast before a blood test in Australia: usually 8–12 hours. What you can drink.
📋
Preparing for Common Tests
Practical preparation guide for common referred tests — blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram.
🔵
Prostate Examination (DRE): What to Expect
What a digital rectal examination (DRE) for the prostate involves, what it feels like.
📋
Reflux study preparation
How to prepare for a gastroesophageal reflux study in Australia: 24-hour pH study, impedance.
📋
How to Prepare for a Semen Analysis (Sperm Test) — Australia
Patient guide to preparing for a semen analysis in Australia. Abstinence period, collection.
🫁
How to Prepare for Your Spirometry Test
Spirometry test prep in plain English. Which inhalers to withhold and for how long (Ventolin.
📋
How to Prepare for a Testosterone Blood Test
Patient guide to testosterone blood test prep in Australia: 8–10am collection, fasting, why.
🧪
24-Hour Urine Collection
How to complete a 24-hour urine collection correctly. Step-by-step guide — which void.
📷
What to Expect at Your Scan
Preparing for a scan? Select your scan type for what to expect, fasting rules, contrast dye.
💉 Vaccines & Screening
💉
Adult Vaccination Schedule Australia
Flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal & RSV — what's free at every age, in one table.
💉
The 75+ Health Assessment (Over-75 Medicare Health Check)
The Medicare 75+ Health Assessment (Older Person's Health Assessment) is a free comprehensive.
💉
BreastScreen Australia — Free Mammogram Guide
BreastScreen Australia offers free mammograms every 2 years to women aged 50–74. Women 40–49.
💉
Cervical Screening Test (CST)
The Cervical Screening Test (CST) replaced the Pap smear in Australia in 2017. Free under.
💉
Free Health Checks in Your 40s
Two free Medicare health assessments in your 40s: type 2 diabetes risk eval (40–49, every 3.
💉
Heart Health Check
The Australian Medicare Heart Health Check (item 699) is a 20-minute cardiovascular risk.
💉
Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in Australia
Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in Australia: who is eligible for free state-funded.
💉
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Australia
Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) sends free iFOBT kits to people.
💉
New Pneumococcal Vaccine in Australia from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, Australia's National Immunisation Program funds a new single-dose.
💉
Q fever vaccine in Australia
Q fever vaccine (Q-VAX) for at-risk workers in Australia: why pre-vaccination screening (skin.
💉
RSV Vaccine Guide — Australia
RSV vaccine guide for Australians. Who should get it, which vaccine (Arexvy vs Abrysvo).
💉
Vaccines in Pregnancy — Australia
Whooping cough, flu, RSV and COVID-19 in pregnancy — timing, funding, and what to expect.
💉
Shingles vaccine in Australia
Is the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) free in Australia? Check your eligibility in one tap.
💉
Veterans' Health Assessment
If you've left the Australian Defence Force, Medicare covers a free one-off Veterans' Health.
🔍
What Happens at a Skin Check?
What happens during a skin check at the GP? What to expect, how to prepare, how long it takes.
💊 Medications & Prescriptions
💊
Being switched between antidepressants
Your doctor is changing your antidepressant — what does that mean? Plain-language guide to why.
💊
COVID Antivirals — Am I Eligible?
Check if you may be eligible for PBS-subsidised COVID antiviral treatment (Paxlovid).
📱
eScripts Explained
What is an eScript? How to receive, store, and use electronic prescriptions at any pharmacy.
💉
GLP-1 Injections in Australia
Semaglutide, tirzepatide — how PBS subsidy works, cost, and access.
💊
GLP-1 medicines in Australia — what's actually available
Plain-English comparison of the GLP-1 medicines available in Australia (Ozempic, Mounjaro.
💊
How Long Are Prescriptions Valid in Australia? Scripts, Repeats & S8
Standard scripts: valid 12 months. S8 / Schedule 4 Appendix D: 6 months. Repeats expire.
💊
How to Store Medicines at Home
Simple guide to storing medicines safely at home in Australia. Room temperature vs fridge.
💊
Medicinal Cannabis in Australia
Plain-English guide to medicinal cannabis in Australia for patients. Who can prescribe.
📦
Medicine Shortages in Australia
How to check if your medicine is in shortage in Australia using the TGA database.
💊
Reducing your opioid medication
Your doctor is reducing your opioid medication — what does that mean? Plain-language guide.
📜
PBS Authority Scripts Explained
What is a PBS authority prescription? The difference between streamlined and telephone.
📝
How Long Is a Script Valid?
How long does a script last in Australia? Standard scripts valid 12 months. S8 controlled.
💊
Travelling With Prescription Medication
How to carry prescription medication overseas from Australia. DACC permits for Schedule 8.
🩺 Conditions & Diagnoses Explained
🩺
After an Iron Infusion — What to Expect
Wait 4–8 weeks after iron infusion before retesting iron levels. Side effects, what to expect.
🩺
ASCIA Action Plans explained
What an ASCIA Action Plan is, the difference between the red Anaphylaxis plan and the green.
🩺
Bariatric Surgery in Australia
Types, Medicare eligibility, public vs private access, and cost ranges.
🩺
Chronic kidney disease explained
What chronic kidney disease (CKD) means, why early detection matters, what tests show.
🩺
CPAP — the practical guide
Everything you actually need to know about CPAP: APAP vs CPAP vs BiPAP, which mask suits.
🩺
Eczema Action Plan
What an ASCIA Eczema Action Plan covers, how severity is graded (mild to severe).
🩺
Reading food labels for allergens
How allergens must appear on Australian food labels under Plain English Allergen Labelling.
🩺
Heart failure explained
What heart failure means, why your doctor may prescribe four medications, what to watch.
🌱
How to Quit Smoking or Vaping
Interactive quit timeline, PBS-subsidised options, current vaping rules, free support.
🧬
What Is the ImmunoCAP ISAC Allergy Test?
ImmunoCAP ISAC is an advanced allergy blood test that measures IgE to 112 allergen components.
🩸
Iron Deficiency
Signs of low iron: tiredness, pale skin, breathlessness, hair loss, cold hands. Who's at risk.
💉
Iron Infusion Cost & Guide — Australia
Iron infusion in Australia: MBS item numbers, Ferinject vs Monofer PBS cost, GP billing.
🩺
Joint injections for osteoarthritis
Plain-English comparison of cortisone, hyaluronic acid and PRP injections for osteoarthritis.
🩺
Menopause & Perimenopause in Australia
Plain-English guide to perimenopause, menopause and MHT (HRT) in Australia. What the stages.
🩺
Migraine prevention in Australia
Are migraine prevention treatments covered by the PBS? Check your eligibility in a few taps.
🩺
Osteoporosis explained
What osteoporosis means, how it's diagnosed, who's at risk, and what actually helps — calcium.
😴
Sleep Apnoea
Think you might have sleep apnoea? Symptoms, how a sleep study works, CPAP explained.
🧠
Know Your Stroke Risk
Learn the FAST signs of stroke, check your risk factors, and know what to do. Stroke.
🩺
Testosterone Therapy (TRT) in Australia
Plain-English guide to testosterone replacement therapy in Australia. PBS eligibility criteria.
🧠 Mental Health
🧠
Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTMP)
The Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTMP) provides up to 40.
🧠
Mental Health Care Plan — What It Is and How to Get One
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan gives you access to up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions.
🧡
Mental Health Rights in Australia
Your legal rights during a mental health assessment, involuntary admission, or treatment order.
🤰 Pregnancy & Family Health
🤰
AMH Fertility Test
Plain-English guide to the AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) blood test. What it can and can't tell.
💊
Contraception Guide
Compare contraceptive methods available in Australia. Effectiveness, cost, PBS availability.
🧬
NIPT Test Explained
What the NIPT blood test checks for, accuracy vs the combined screen, cost, and what results mean.
🤰
Pregnancy Care in Australia — How the System Works
Pregnant in Australia? How antenatal care works under Medicare: public vs private vs shared.
🤰
Pregnancy Supplements Guide
Pregnancy supplements in Australia. Folic acid, iodine, iron, vitamin D — what the guidelines.
🤰
Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans
What are the routine pregnancy ultrasound scans? Dating scan, nuchal translucency, morphology.
🥗 Nutrition & Diet
🥦
High Fibre Foods — Australian Guide
Australian guide to foods high in dietary fibre — fibre content per serving in grams, based.
🥩
Iron-Rich Foods
Which foods are highest in iron? Haem vs non-haem iron, absorption tips, foods that block.
🥗
Kidney-friendly eating: potassium & phosphate in food
Plain-language Australian guide to potassium and phosphate in food for kidney disease (CKD).
🥗
Low Salt Foods
Which foods are highest in salt? Which are lowest? Simple swap list, how to read sodium.
🧂
Too Much Salt
Eating too much salt? Most Australians eat nearly double the recommended amount. Signs of high.
🌏 Travel, Work & Life Admin
📄
Advance Care Directive
What is an advance care directive? Find the correct form, witnessing requirements.
🌏
CASA Aviation Medical — Class 5 Eligibility Checker & Guide
Interactive Class 5 self-declaration eligibility checker plus a plain Australian guide to CASA.
🅿️
Disability Parking Permit
How to get a disability parking permit in Australia. Eligibility, what your GP needs.
🤿
Diving Medicals in Australia
Diving medicals in Australia explained — recreational (AS 4005.1) vs occupational (AS/NZS.
🚗
Driver Licence Medical
Do you need a driver's medical? Check age-based requirements by state and medical conditions.
🚛
Driver Medical Guide
How often do train drivers, truck drivers, taxi drivers, bus drivers and rideshare drivers.
🎓
International Student Health Guide
Health guide for international students in Australia. How OSHC works, finding a GP, what's.
🌏
Medical Certificate — How to Get One
What you need, what it costs, and whether you need one for a single day off.
🩺
Pre-Employment Medicals in Australia
What happens in a pre-employment medical in Australia — what's checked, can you fail.
✈️
Travelling Overseas — Health Guide
Travelling overseas from Australia? RHCA country checker, taking medication overseas, travel.
🕊️
Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia
What it is, whether you may be eligible, and how the process works.
🆘 Emergency & Support
🌙
After-Hours Care Guide
After-hours medical help in Australia. When to call 000, go to ED, call 13HEALTH, or wait.
❤️
CPR Quick Guide
How to do CPR: 30 compressions, 2 breaths, 100–120/min. Types of CPR — adult, child, infant.
🤟
Communicating with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patients
How to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing patients in a GP consultation. Auslan.
👂
Ear Wax Removal
Ear wax removal in Australia — what microsuction and ear syringing involve, whether Medicare.
📞
Emergency & Support Lines
Essential phone numbers for health emergencies. Poisons hotline, interpreter services, mental.
🆘
The Hearing Services Program (Free & Subsidised Hearing Aids)
Australian Hearing Services Program — free hearing assessments and subsidised aids.
🆘
Australian Helplines & Support Services
Free, confidential Australian support helplines — crisis, mental health, family violence.
🥝 For New Zealanders
🥝
Healthcare in NZ
How the NZ system works — NHI, GP fees, ACC, prescriptions.
🇳🇿
NZ Health Subsidies
Free prescriptions, GP costs, Community Services Card.
🔍
Find a GP in NZ
Enrolment, VLCA low-cost practices, and reducing GP fees.
💉
NZ Immunisation Schedule
Free childhood vaccinations by age.
🍁 For Canadians
🍁
Healthcare in Canada
How the public system works, what's covered, provincial health cards.
🇨🇦
What Is NOT Covered in Canada
The gaps — dental, prescriptions, vision, physio.
🔍
Find a Family Doctor (Canada)
Province-by-province patient registries and wait lists.
💉
Canadian Immunisation Schedule
Routine vaccinations by age — NACI guidelines.