A-Z listing

Ban on the use of animal test data for cosmetics

This page contains information regarding the ban on the use of animal test data for cosmetics.

Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections

The Australian Government Department of Health provides leadership for the coordination of the national response to blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections through a number of national strategies and initiatives.

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry items (MBS items 12306 - 12323) are currently outlined in a Ministerial Determination and published in the General Medical Services Table (GMST) one of several tables of medical services which form the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Entry to the Department's web pages on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals and its links to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in animals

Entry to the Department's web pages on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals and its links to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans.

Breastfeeding

The Australian Government is committed to protecting, promoting, supporting and monitoring breastfeeding throughout Australia.

Cancer fact sheets

Cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia and accounted for around one-fifth (19%) of the total disease burden in Australia in 2011.

Capital Sensitivity (Equipment, Medicare and diagnostic imaging

About capital sensitivity and guaranteeing quality diagnostic imaging services.

Case conferences ( Multidisciplinary case conferences)

Information on how health professionals may meet to discuss, plan, coordinate or make arrangements on behalf of a patient.

CDI

Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Office of Health Protection, Department of Health. The journal aims to disseminate information on the epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases of relevance to Australia.

CDI

Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Office of Health Protection and Response, Department of Health. The journal aims to disseminate information on the epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases of relevance to Australia.

Characteristics of culturally competent maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, The

This document identifies the characteristics of culturally competent maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as required under action 2.2 of the National Maternity Services Plan.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) commenced on 1 January 2014 and provides access to benefits for basic dental services to around 3 million children aged 2-17 years.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule, The

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) commenced on 1 January 2014 and provides access to benefits for basic dental services to around 3 million children aged 2-17 years.

Chronic Disease Management (formerly Enhanced Primary Care or EPC) — GP services

Information on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) items that are available under Medicare to patients with a chronic medical condition.

Chronic Disease Management — allied health individual services

Information on the individual allied health services available to patients with a chronic condition and/or complex care needs, on referral from a GP

Classical Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (Chapter 31)

This chapter provides recommendations for infection control procedures to minimise the risk of transmission of classical Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in health care settings.

CMI, Privacy and your personal information

Australian Privacy Principle 5 Notification

Colonoscopy Review

Commonwealth Medical Internships

This page contains Information on the Commonwealth Medical Internships (CMI) initiative.

Communicable Diseases Intelligence

Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Office of Health Protection and Response, Department of Health. The journal aims to disseminate information on the epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases of relevance to Australia.

Communicable Diseases Intelligence - Call for papers

Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Office of Health Protection, Department of Health. The journal aims to disseminate information on the epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases of relevance to Australia.

Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA)

The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) was established in 1989 as the Communicable Diseases Control Network, as a joint initiative of the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council. This page provides links on information relating to the CDNA network.

Consumer Representative Forum on Hearing Communiqué 10 February 2018

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, met with consumer representative groups on Saturday 10 February 2018 to discuss contemporary issues faced by families and individuals living with a hearing impairment, listen to their views on hearing related topics and provide an opportunity for representatives to discuss key issues that are affecting consumers.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology reports, Australia, 2020–2021

This page contains links to epidemiological reports, published in CDI, on the incidence, severity, and distribution of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) [previously known as novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)] within Australia.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

This page contains information on the relation between human pituitary hormone treatment and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) as well as Government's initiatives for the control and prevention of CJD.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease information

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and a link to printable version in PDF format

Critical Infrastructure Resilience - Health Sector Group

This page provides information on the Health Sector Group of the Trusted Information Sharing Network.

Data Access and Release Policy

The information on this page provides researchers with an awareness and understanding of the Department of Health’s Data Access and Release Policy.

Delirium Care Pathways

Produced by the HCOASC in 2006, the aim of the Delirium Care Pathways project was to build on the HCOASC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Delirium in Older People, by developing pathways for patients/clients, carers and practitioners across care settings: (i) community; (ii) acute; and (iii) residential aged care facilities.

Dental

This section of the department's website provides information about the government's dental initiatives.

Department of Health Human Research Ethics

Human Research Ethics (HRECs) play a central role in the Australian system of ethical oversight of research involving humans. HRECs review research proposals involving human participants to ensure that they are ethically acceptable and in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines.
Any research involving humans, or requiring access to personal information, requires approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) that is registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Diabetes type 2 — allied health

Information on the allied health group services provided by eligible diabetes educators, exercise physiologists and dietitians for people with type 2 diabetes, on referral from a GP.

Diagnostic imaging under Medicare

Up-to-date information about Medicare-subsidised diagnostic imaging services.

Diagnostic Imaging

Up-to-date information about Medicare-subsidised diagnostic imaging services.

Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme

Practice Accreditation Standards, guidance material and resources for Practices seeking accreditation.

Diagnostic radiology fact sheet

About minimum qualification requirements of people performing x-ray, angiography or fluoroscopy services

Digital Health

This section of the site contains information and resources relating to digital health.

eHealth Memorandum of Understanding

Emergency Triage Education Kit

The Emergency Triage Education Kit (ETEK) provides a nationally consistent approach to the educational preparation of emergency clinicians for the triage role, and promotes the consistent application of the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS).

Enhanced Primary Care Program overview

Environmental health publications

List of publications on environmental health currently distributed by the Office of Health Protection of the Australian Government Department of Health

Environmental Health

Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. This definition excludes behaviour not related to environment, as well as behaviour related to the social and cultural environment, and genetics.

Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth)

The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) is a standing committee of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

Equipment, Medicare and diagnostic imaging

About capital sensitivity and guaranteeing quality diagnostic imaging services.

Ethics Committee

Human Research Ethics (HRECs) play a central role in the Australian system of ethical oversight of research involving humans. HRECs review research proposals involving human participants to ensure that they are ethically acceptable and in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines.
Any research involving humans, or requiring access to personal information, requires approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) that is registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Expert Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation

Eye Health

Eye health conditions are very common in Australia and may be present from birth as a result of illness or injury, or developed over time due to ageing.

Final Report KPMG Private Hospital Data Collection Review

An independent review of the Private Hospital Data Collection was conducted in 2011.

Final Report of the Private Hospital Data Collection Review

An independent review of the Private Hospital Data Collection was conducted in 2011.

Food Regulation Secretariat, The

Foodborne illness in Australia: Annual incidence circa 2010

This page contains information on foodborne illness in Australia.

Gonococcal: Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme annual reports

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme is funded by the Federal health department to provide laboratory analysis of gonococcal isolates in Australia. The Programme produces an annual report on its findings as well as a report on the WHO Western Pacific Region Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme. This page links to annual reports published since 1996.

GP Super Clinics Programme

Information about the establishment of GP Super Clinics around the nation.

Health assessments

Information on eligibility for health assessments and related allied health services.

Health assessments and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People)

Fact Sheet MBS ITEM 715

Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Australia has a robust health system with measures in place to provide a comprehensive and effective health response in the event of a disaster or mass casualty event, including a bioterrorist act, natural disaster, bombing or communicable disease outbreak.

Health safety net (Medicare Safety Net arrangements 1973 to 2016).

Australia enjoys a robust private health system that is supported by public funding. Medicare safety net arrangements are part of this system and operate to assist Australians with high out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital services.

Health Thesaurus

The Health Thesaurus is a list of subject terms covering concepts of interest to the Department and is a basis for common terminology across the Department. Healthdirect Australia manages and maintains this resource.

Hearing Health Sector Committee Roadmap for Hearing Health Communiqué 15 February 2019

The Hearing Health Sector Committee hosted a second stakeholder forum in Sydney on 15 February 2019 to inform the finalisation of the Roadmap for Hearing Health. This second Forum followed an initial Forum held in Sydney on 27 September 2018.

Hearing Health Sector Committee Roadmap for Hearing Health Communiqué 25 July 2018

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, has established a Hearing Health Sector Committee of representative stakeholders to progress the development of a Roadmap for Hearing Health. The Roadmap will set out future reform directions and priorities for the hearing sector that will lead to short, medium and long-term improvements in hearing health for all Australians.

Hearing Health Sector Committee Roadmap for Hearing Health Communiqué 6 December 2018

The Hearing Health Sector Committee met in Sydney on 6 December 2018 to progress the development of the Roadmap for Hearing Health.

Hearing Health Sector Committee Roadmap for Hearing Health Communiqué 8 November 2018

The Hearing Health Sector Committee met in Melbourne on 8 November 2018 to progress the development of the Roadmap for Hearing Health.

Hearing Industry Roundtable Communiqué 22 March 2018

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, met with hearing industry representative groups on Thursday, 22 March 2018 to listen to their views on recent reviews and parliamentary inquiries into hearing health and discuss their concerns on challenges faced by the hearing sector.

Hepatitis C: a review of Australia's response

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The review documents the extent of the problem posed by Hepatitis C - in terms of the prevalence and incidence of infection, the economic costs to Australia, and the social impact of the disease; assesses the performance of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan and the Nationally Coordinated Hepatitis C Education and Prevention Approach; provides a broad analysis of the current national and State- and Territory-level responses to the epidemic; and recommendations on directions and priorities for national action.

Hepatitis C: Informing Australia's National Response

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Eight papers were commissioned to inform of the development of the National Hepatitis C Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004. The papers span the areas of: clinical research, epidemiology, social and behavioural research, and virology and basic scientific research. This publication represents the technical core of the policy development process.

History of key MBS primary care initiatives 1999-2013

This page provides a brief history of the key Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) initiatives between 1999 and 2013.

Home Medicines Review Program Qualitative Research Project Final Report

This page contains the Final Report for the Home Medicines Review Qualitative Research Project

Improving access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Services for patients 16 years of age and older- Fact Sheet

A fact sheet to inform the public and the profession of improving access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services

Improving access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Services Fact Sheet

A fact sheet to inform the public and the profession of improving access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services

Infection Control Guidelines

This document provides recommendations for infection prevention and control procedures to minimise the risk of transmission of Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease (CJD) in health care settings.

Information for residents of Norfolk Island

From 1 July 2016, the Australian Government will integrate Norfolk Island with the mainland tax and social security systems, including access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Injury prevention in Australia

Injury is a major cause of preventable death and disability in Australia. Whether intended or accidental, most physical injuries can be prevented by identifying their causes and removing these, or reducing people’s exposure to them.

Legislation and Regulation Plan 2008-09

The Department of Health and Ageing's Regulatory Plan for 2008-09

Longitudinal study

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), which is also known as Women’s Health Australia, is a landmark longitudinal survey funded by the Department of Health.

Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement

Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas: Manufacturers and Importers Agreement 1992 (MAIF Agreement)

Maternity Services and Stillbirth Prevention

This webpage provides information on the Australian Government initiatives that support Australia’s maternity services. This includes the National Strategic Approach to Maternity Services, the Pregnancy Care Guidelines, national maternal and perinatal data and the Pregnancy Birth and Baby service. Information about the Government’s stillbirth prevention and support initiatives are also included on this page.

Maternity Services Inter-Jurisdictional Committee (MSIJC)

The Maternity Services Inter-Jurisdictional Committee is an information-sharing network promoting primary maternity services.

MBS Quality Framework, The

In the 2009-10 Budget the Australian Government funded the development of a new evidence-based framework for managing the MBS – the MBS Quality Framework. The objectives for the MBS Quality Framework were to strengthen the listing, pricing and review processes of MBS items by ensuring that services are aligned with contemporary clinical evidence, represent best value for money and improve health outcomes for patients.

Medical and professional indemnity

This section contains information about to the Australian Government’s Indemnity Insurance Fund.

Medical Benefits Reviews Task Group

The Australian Government announced in the 2009-10 Budget that it would fund the development of a new evidence-based framework for managing the MBS into the future (the MBS Quality Framework) and carry out parallel reviews of Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology.

Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship Scheme 2014

Scholarships for students who agree to practise in rural or remote areas of Australia upon completion of basic medical and postgraduate training.

Medical Training Review Panel: fifteenth report

The fifteenth report of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP) covers the three levels of medical training in Australia, providing data on all trainees in undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational training programs in the last year, 2011.

Medical Training Review Panel: Fourteenth Report

The fourteenth annual report of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP).

Medical Training Review Panel: sixteenth report

The Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP) 16^th Report covers the three levels of medical training in Australia; providing data on all trainees in undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational training programs in 2012.

Medical Training Review Panel: thirteenth report

The thirteenth annual report of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP).

Medical Treatment Overseas Program

The Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP) provides financial assistance for Australians with a life-threatening medical condition to receive proven life saving medical treatment overseas where effective treatment is not available in Australia.

Medical Workforce Reform Advisory Committee

The role of the Medical Workforce Reform Advisory Committee (MWRAC) is to advise Commonwealth, state and territory health ministers on medical workforce reform priorities.

Medicare & Primary care (Primary care - GP, nursing, allied health)

Medicare primary care items provide Medicare rebates for a range of services provided by general practitioners, nurse practitioners, midwives, practice nurses and allied health providers.

Medicare and Chronic Disease (Chronic Disease Management (formerly Enhanced Primary Care or EPC)

Information on the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) items that are available under Medicare to patients with a chronic medical condition.

Medicare and diagnostic imaging (Diagnostic imaging under Medicare)

Up-to-date information about Medicare-subsidised diagnostic imaging services.

Medicare and Pathology (Pathology under Medicare)

About the Australian Government’s objective to ensure access to high quality, clinically relevant, cost-effective pathology services, by publishing current pathology standards, professional discourse and trends.

Medicare and radiation therapy (Radiation therapy under Medicare)

This page provides information on many aspects of radiation therapy for health professionals and consumers

Medicare initiatives 1999-2013 (History of key MBS primary care initiatives 1999-2013)

This page provides a brief history of the key Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) initiatives between 1999 and 2013.

Medicare Questions (Your Questions Answered)

Welcome to Your questions answered, practical information on the most frequently asked questions by consumers and links to multiple guides and checklists on the Health and external agency websites.

Medicare safety net arrangements

Australia enjoys a robust private health system that is supported by public funding. Medicare safety net arrangements are part of this system and operate to assist Australians with high out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital services.

Medicare Statistics (Statistics under Medicare)

Medicare Statistics are available from September quarter 1984 onwards and financial year 1984-85 onwards. Rolling 12-month time series statistics are available from July 2009 to June 2010 onwards.

Medication management reviews

Information on the medication management reviews available for patients in the community or in an aged care facility, on referral from a GP.

Men's Health

Policies and initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of all men in Australia.

Mental Health Council of Australia

The peak national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector.

Mental Health Professionals Network

Supports collaboration in Australia's primary mental health sector by fostering local interdisciplinary networks of mental health professionals.

Midwives and nurse practitioners

Information on the expanded role of eligible midwives and nurse practitioners in the delivery of Australian health services.

MRBS (Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship) Scheme

Scholarships for students who agree to practise in rural or remote areas of Australia upon completion of basic medical and postgraduate training.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) breast services Q&A (questions and answers)

About the Medicare rebate for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans of the breast.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Medicare services fact sheet

About full and partial Medicare-eligible units and MRI MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) items.

Multidisciplinary case conferences

Information on how health professionals may meet to discuss, plan, coordinate or make arrangements on behalf of a patient.

National Arbovirus and Malaria Advisory Committee (NAMAC) annual reports

This page contains links to the NAMAC annual reports, which are published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence. The reports also inlcude data on the Sentinel Chicken Surveillance Programme, which is used to provide an early warning of increased flavivirus activity in Australia.

National E-Health Strategy

The National E-Health Strategy

National framework for action to promote eye health and prevent avoidable blindness and vision loss

This document sets out a strategic national framework for action for the promotion of eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness. It aims to provide a blueprint for nationally coordinated action by governments, health professionals, non-government organisations, industry and individuals to work in partnership.

National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss – Third Progress Report to Australian Health Ministers covering the period 2011-2014 December 2015

This progress report covers the period 2011 to 2014.

National Guidelines for Managing HIV Transmission Risk Behaviours (2018)

These Guidelines have been developed, primarily for Chief Health Officers (CHOs), to ensure consistency in the way all Australian states and territories manage HIV transmission risk behaviours.

National Health Genomics Policy Framework and Implementation Plan 2018-2021

National Hepatitis C Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004, The

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The National Hepatitis C Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 was launched in June 2000 by the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. The Strategy has two primary aims to reduce the transmission of hepatitis C in Australia, and to minimise the personal and social impacts of hepatitis C infection.

National Hepatitis C Strategy 2005-2008, The

The National Hepatitis C Strategy provides a foundation for national action that will guide Australia’s response to hepatitis C over the next three years.

National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004: Changes and Challenges, The

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 builds on an important foundation established under previous HIV/AIDS Strategies - the partnership between and with affected communities, governments at all levels, and medical, scientific and healthcare professionals.

National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008: Implementation Plan

The Implementation Plan for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008 has been developed to assist key stakeholders to progress and monitor activities on HIV/AIDS across the health sector and should be read in conjunction with the strategy.

National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008: Revitalising Australia’s Response, The

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008 has identified five priority areas for action to be addressed over the life of the Strategy: development of a targeted prevention education and health promotion program for HIV; improving the health of people living with HIV/AIDS; developing an effective response to the changing care and support needs of people living with HIV/AIDS; a review of the National HIV Testing Policy; and the provision of a clearer direction for HIV/AIDS research.

National Male and Women's Health

The Government has developed National Male and Women's Health Policies, to ensure that specific health needs of both men and women are addressed.

National Maternity Services Capability Framework

This document provides a rigorous methodology to assist in woman-centred maternity service planning and to improve risk management in maternity care.

National Medicines Policy

The National Medicines Policy - A partnership for better health outcomes

National Primary Health Care Strategic Framework

The National Primary Health Care Strategic Framework is a nationally agreed approach for the Commonwealth, states and territories to work in partnership to better integrate health care across care settings and to improve health outcomes for all Australians.

National Residential Medication Chart (NRMC)

The National Residential Medication Chart (NRMC) is a paper-based medication chart developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) for use in residential aged care facilities.

National Rural Health Students' Network

Represents Rural Health Clubs, whose members are medical, nursing and allied health students at universities throughout Australia

National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy - 2005-2008

The National STIs Strategy provides a foundation for national action in the prevention and treatment of STIs in Australia.

NAMAC Committee overview

This page contains an overview of the National Arbovirus and Malaria Advisory Committee (NAMAC).

New South Wales: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) units

List of Medicare eligible MRI units in NSW

Norfolk Island - information for residents

From 1 July 2016, the Australian Government will integrate Norfolk Island with the mainland tax and social security systems, including access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Northern Territory: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) units

List of Medicare eligible MRI units in Northern Territory

Notifiable diseases list and case definitions

A list of communicable diseases to be notified nationally was originally endorsed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) in September 2003. Subsequent changes to the list have been incorporated.

Notifiable diseases list and case definitions

The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) has agreed that the following list of communicable diseases are to be notified nationally and provided to the Commonwealth’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). CDNA has developed the Surveillance Case Definitions available on this page.

Nuclear Medicine

Up-to-date information about Medicare-subsidised diagnostic imaging services.

Nurse Practitioners and Midwives (Midwives and nurse practitioners)

Information on the expanded role of eligible midwives and nurse practitioners in the delivery of Australian health services.

Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme (NAHSSS)

The 2009-10 budget will consolidate a number of scholarship programs into one scheme, the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Scheme (NAHSSS).

Nutrition and Healthy Eating

The Population Health and Sport Division, within the Department of Health, is responsible for developing and evaluating national policy, resources and initiatives in the areas of nutrition and healthy eating, health promoting physical activity and promoting healthy weight.

Nutrition and Physical Activity

This section of the website contains information on nutrition and healthy eating, physical activity and promoting healthy weight.

Obesity Review

The purpose of this review is to evaluate current evidence and clinical best practice relating to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for the surgical interventions for the treatment of obesity.

Ophthalmology Review

The draft review protocol for the whole of specialty review of ophthalmology underwent public consultation for a three week period, which closed on 16 November 2010.

Opportunities to Reduce Regulation and Red Tape

Outage Notification

Outage Notification

Outbreak Notification

Overseas Medical Treatment (Medical Treatment Overseas Program)

The Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP) provides financial assistance for Australians with a life-threatening medical condition to receive proven life saving medical treatment overseas where effective treatment is not available in Australia.

Overview

This site contains a range of nursing information relevant to nurses, midwives, students, medical practitioners, other health professionals and consumers.

Overview of Environmental Health

Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. This definition excludes behaviour not related to environment, as well as behaviour related to the social and cultural environment, and genetics.

Packer Policy Fellowship Program

The Packer Policy Fellowship Program commenced in the 2004-05 financial year and is named in honour of the late Mr Kerry Packer AC, Chairman of Consolidated Press Holdings Limited, for his generous support of the program.

Pathology Questions and Answers

Pathology under Medicare

About the Australian Government’s objective to ensure access to high quality, clinically relevant, cost-effective pathology services, by publishing current pathology standards, professional discourse and trends.

PBS Hospital Medication Chart

The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) Hospital Medication Chart (HMC) is a paper-based medication chart developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) for use by Australian public and private hospitals. The PBS HMC provides an alternative option for the prescribing, dispensing, and claiming of PBS and Repatriation PBS (RPBS) medicines in the hospital setting.

Pervasive Development Disorder or PDD (Autism—Helping Children with Autism program).

Medicare items supporting early diagnosis and treatment.

Physical Activity

This page contains information about the benefits of physical activity as well as tips and ideas for how to be active every day.

Pituitary hormones initiatives

This page contains information on the relation between human pituitary hormone treatment and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) as well as Government's initiatives for the control and prevention of CJD.

Pneumococcal disease: Invasive pneumococcal disease in Australia annual reports

An annual report on invasive pneumococcal disease is produced each year. The report includes information on incidence of disease and on laboratory surveillance. This page contains links to the annual reports from 2001.

Pregnancy Helpline

Free, confidential, professional information and counselling for women, their partners and families relating to issues of conception, pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby helpline

Free, confidential, professional information and counselling for women, their partners and families relating to issues of conception, pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care.

Preventive Health Care in Australia

A comparative analysis of preventive health services in Australia and the USA - By Dr Joan Stieber - February 2005

Prevocational General Practice Placements Program

Encourages junior doctors to take up general practice as a career by funding placements in outer metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas, and other areas of medical service need.

Primary care

Primary care can include general practice, allied health services, community health and community pharmacy.

Primary care (GP, nursing, allied health)

Medicare primary care items provide Medicare rebates for a range of services provided by general practitioners, nurse practitioners, midwives, practice nurses and allied health providers.

Primary Health Networks (PHNs)

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Principles that Underpin Communication between Eligible Midwives and Obstetricians (GP or Specialist)

This document provides guidance for eligible midwives and obstetricians about appropriate communication in relation to the care of women who choose an eligible midwife as their maternity care coordinator.

Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN)

Home page for Public Health Laboratory Network.

Publications relevant to the National Medicines Policy (NMP)

Pulmonary artery catheterisation Review

The draft protocol for the review of PAC items underwent a three week public consultation period, which closed on 26 November 2010.

Radiation Oncology Careers

The page provides information about careers in radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy under Medicare

This page provides information on many aspects of radiation therapy for health professionals and consumers

Regulation and Red Tape Reduction

This page contains information on regulation and red tape reduction.

Regulator Performance Framework, The

The Government introduced the Regulator Performance Framework (the Framework) to improve regulatory performance and reduce unnecessary regulatory costs that inhibit productivity.

Regulatory Plan 2008-09

The Department of Health and Ageing's Regulatory Plan for 2008-09

Remote Vocational Training Scheme

Provides distance education and supervision for medical practitioners without postgraduate qualifications in remote communities.

Report: Preventive Health Care in Australia

A comparative analysis of preventive health services in Australia and the USA - By Dr Joan Stieber - February 2005

Reporting

Requirements for Procedures Related to the Collection, Processing, Storage and Issue of Human Haemopoietic Progenitor Cells (Fifth Edition 2015)

This is a publication of the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) which is managed by the Australian Government Department of Health

Resources for health assessments (Health assessments)

Information on eligibility for health assessments and related allied health services.

Review of after hours primary health care

This review considered the most appropriate and effective delivery mechanisms to support ongoing after hours primary health care services nationally.

Review of Medicare Locals

The review provided independent advice on all aspects of a Medicare Local’s structure, operations and functions, as well as options for future directions.

Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation

During negotiations for the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement (6CPA) in 2015, the Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia made a commitment to conduct an independent Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation (the Review). A Final Report was provided to the Minister for Health.

Review of Scientific Evidence to Inform Australian Policy on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

An independent review has been undertaken by Professor John Mathews, an eminent scientist with 40 years experience as a medical researcher. This report provides updates and describes the advances in scientific knowledge in relation to food and the flow on implications to human blood, human blood products and other human therapeutic goods since the last update in 2006.

Review of the eligibility of retirement visa holders for Medicare under relevant reciprocal health care agreements

This review considers the history and rationale behind the current government policy that holders of the Retirement Visa (Subclass 410) (the 410 visa) are not eligible for Medicare entitlements regardless of whether their country of origin has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia and proposes a mechanism to consider applications for Medicare eligibility for 410 visa holders for those from RHCA countries in exceptional circumstances.

Reviewing your medication (Medication management reviews)

Information on the medication management reviews available for patients in the community or in an aged care facility, on referral from a GP.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Program

The Government has funded the RFDS since the 1930’s to deliver the RFDS Program, which includes provision of emergency aeromedical evacuation services in rural and remote Australia.

Rural and Regional Health Australia

Welcome to the Australian Government’s Rural and Regional Health Australia page.

Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure Grants (RRTIGs) programme

This programme provides funding to upgrade and/or extend the existing premises of existing general practices in rural or regional locations to provide additional consultation rooms and space for teaching medical students and supervising general practice registrars.

Rural Health Continuing Education Sub-program

This sub-progam consolidates funding from a number of other programs into a single program to support medical specialists in rural and remote areas.

Rural Procedural Grants Program

The Rural Procedural Grants Program (RPGP) commenced in 2004. It supports procedural GPs in rural and remote areas to attend relevant continuing professional development (CPD) activities, focused on both skills maintenance and upskilling.

Smallpox Plan

This page provides domestic health emergency response plan for a deliberate release of smallpox.

Special Approved Placements Program (SAPP)

Specialist Training Program (STP)

The Specialist Training Program provides support to enable medical specialist trainees to rotate through an expanded range of settings beyond traditional public teaching hospitals.

Speech, Language and Communication Disorders, Difficulties and Speech Pathology Services

This landing page is a digital starting point for concerned individuals, parents and carers to locate services and support for people with different types of speech, language and communication difficulties. Services are provided by the Australian Government, State and Territory Governments, peak bodies and private organisations.

Statistics under Medicare

Medicare Statistics are available from September quarter 1984 onwards and financial year 1984-85 onwards. Rolling 12-month time series statistics are available from July 2009 to June 2010 onwards.

Telehealth

This page contains information on Telehealth

Trachoma Surveillance Reports

Reports from the National Trachoma Surveillance and Reporting Unit (NTSRU) on trachoma screening and management data.

Travel Health Information

Overseas travel exposes you to wonderful new experiences, but it can also expose you to potentially serious health risks. Remember – your health is your responsibility – with a bit of preparation, you can prevent an illness that could ruin your holiday, or worse.

Understanding eHealth Readiness

Evaluating the eHealth readiness of medical specialists and allied health professionals.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccination Coverage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Australia, 2003 to 2006

This is the second report on vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and complements the Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccination Coverage reports produced biannually since 2000.

Victoria: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) units

List of Medicare eligible MRI units in Victoria

Visiting Optometrists Scheme

The Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) supports optometrists to deliver outreach optometric services to remote and very remote locations, and rural communities with an identified need for optometric services.

Welcome to the Department of Health - Sport

What we do

Introduction to the work undertaken by the Health Protection Policy Branch, Office of Health Protection, Australian Government Department of Health.

Women's Health - Longitudinal Study

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), which is also known as Women’s Health Australia, is a landmark longitudinal survey funded by the Department of Health.

X-ray, angiography and fluoroscopy services (Diagnostic radiology fact sheet)

About minimum qualification requirements of people performing x-ray, angiography or fluoroscopy services

Yellow fever - general fact sheet

If you are travelling to Africa, the Caribbean, Central or South America, you should be aware of the risk of yellow fever virus transmission and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from infection.

This fact sheet covers: background; occurrence; vaccination requirement for travel; treatment; avoidance; biosecurity border measures; yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Your questions answered

Welcome to Your questions answered, practical information on the most frequently asked questions by consumers and links to multiple guides and checklists on the Health and external agency websites.

2011 Review into the Extended Medicare Safety Net

The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon has released the ‘Review of Capping Arrangements Report 2011’.

31 Classical Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease

This chapter provides recommendations for infection control procedures to minimise the risk of transmission of classical Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in health care settings.