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Confidentiality
It is really important to understand the issues around confidentiality.
When you were a kid, most of the discussions with health professionals about your diabetes were directed to your parents. As you are now getting older it is time for you to develop your own confidential relationships with members of your diabetes care team. This doesn’t mean you are being encouraged to keep things from your family in fact; you should have open and honest communication with them.
It is important that you feel comfortable to discuss anything with your diabetes health care team and to understand that what is said will stay confidential or, just between you and them. In other words your doctor can't talk about you or your health to other people unless you say they can.
The only time health professionals can break this rule is when they think you may be at risk of:
- harming yourself
- harming someone else, or
- being harmed
So make sure you discuss the issue of 'confidentiality' with your doctor and other health care professionals. You should feel confident that your doctor and other health care professionals are happy to talk with you alone about whatever you chose.
Finding a GP
If you don’t already have one, it’s time to get a General Practitioner (GP).
It is important that all families have a GP. Even though you have diabetes and see a diabetes specialist regularly, it is still important to have access to a GP for other things like immunisation, injury, minor illnesses and other routine care.
GP’s are there to look after your overall health and to support you with your diabetes care.
If you are going to a group general practice it is a good idea to try and see the same doctor each time you visit. That way you will get to know each other and be able to develop a relationship.
Choosing a GP is a personal thing. A good GP is someone you feel comfortable talking to, knowing they are listening to what you are saying and are taking you seriously. It is a good idea to shop around for a GP that you click with (GMCT, 2005).
Remember your GP isn’t there just to write insulin scripts for you!
Doctors Consultation
When visiting your doctor for a consultation there are certain things that must happen on both sides to make the visit successful.
There are certain things that you should expect from your health professional, they include:
- Treating you with respect and as an individual
- Providing you with information in a way that you can understand
- Involving you in the decisions about your treatment
- Listening to you and encouraging you to ask questions
- Respecting your privacy and confidentiality
There are certain things you need to do at each visit, they include:
- Arriving on time
- Saying what you think and being honest
- Knowing your treatment and if you need a prescription
- If you don’t understand something ask to have it explained to you again.
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Government Allowances
Centrelink
Centrelink is a Federal Government organisation that provides many services including employment services and financial assistance.
There are many different types of assistance available to you and to your parents/carer including Health Care Cards ( HCC), mobility allowances, youth allowances, rent assistance and various forms of Carer Allowance. There are strict criteria that need to be met to be eligible for payments.
Carer Allowance for a child under 16 years
There are two (2) levels of Carer Allowance available:
- Level 1: Health Care Card only
NOTE: The same application pack is used when applying for a Health Care Card only and for the Carer Allowance (with HCC). Carers of children under 10 years with Type 1 diabetes automatically qualify for the Carer Allowance(with HCC).
- Level 2: Fortnightly Carer Allowance (including Health Care Card)
If you are under 16 and living with a parent or guardian (ie. someone who cares for you) then they may apply for the “Carer Allowance for a Child Under 16 years”. Level 2 Carer Allowance is for your carer, to assist them with your care needs. Eligibility for Level 2 is based on your functional abilities across a range of activities compared to other young people of the same age who do not have a serious medical condition or disability.
Note: The level that is given depends on how much help a young person needs with their diabetes. ‘Carer Payment’ is an additional sum of money for carers of profoundly disabled children requiring full-time and constant care.
Carer Allowance for person over 16 years
If you are over 16 years and living with a parent or guardian (ie. someone who cares for you) then they may apply for the “Carer Allowance for a person over 16 years of age”. This allowance does not include a Health Care Card.
For more information
Ex Carer Allowance Health Care Card for person over 16 years
From the 1st of October, 2007 a new Health Care Card became available.
For more information
Application Forms
The application pack containing the application forms are available from either your diabetes clinic, on their website: Centrelink Home Page
Completion of Forms
Assistance in completing application forms for the Carer Allowance is available from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). They can be contacted on 1300 363 126 or www.jdrf.org.au
Important Contact Details
Centrelink 13 2717
Centrelink Disability, Sickness and Carers Line: 132717
Centrelink Youth and Students Line: 132490
Commonwealth Family and Community Services
(FACSIA) www.facsia.gov.au (02) 6244 7128
JDRF www.jdrf.org.au 1800 363 126
Centrelink website: Centrelink Home Page
Diabetes Support Organisations
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
JDRF is a world-wide non-profit health organisation and registered charity which is dedicated to funding basic and applied medical research to find a cure for diabetes and to prevent diabetes complications. In addition, the organisation provides information, education and advocacy on Type 1 diabetes for children, adolescents, their families, health professionals, government and the wider community.
JDRF provides practical support to families through its national volunteer network.
To join JDRF a membership form must be completed. The first six months membership is free for newly diagnosed young people and their families.
Further information can be obtained by contacting 1300 363 126 or by visiting their website www.jdrf.org.au.
Diabetes Australia (DA)
Diabetes Australia Limited (DA) is a federation of 12 major diabetes organisations, comprising 8 State and Territory Associations of Diabetes Australia, as well as the Australian Diabetes Society, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, the Kellion Diabetes Foundation and the Diabetes Research Foundation-Western Australia.
DA aims to:
- Help people with diabetes live full and meaningful lives
- Help families learn how to incorporate diabetes into their lifestyle
- Alert the community to the seriousness of diabetes, its risk factors and potential for prevention of Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
- Liaise with health professionals with the common goal of constantly improving diabetes care support diabetes research with funding through the Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART)
- Fight discrimination and lobby government and decision makers about diabetes-related issues
- Raise funds for research
DA contact details
Diabetes Australia – Queensland (DAQ)
Diabetes Australia-Queensland (DAQ) provides information on how people with diabetes (and pre-diabetes) can access services and advice on diabetes management in their area. DAQ seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle and education for the community about diabetes, its management, risks and prevention.
To join DAQ, a membership application should be completed and the annual membership fee paid. Membership application forms and further information is available by contacting Diabetes Australia – Queensland on 1300 136 588 or by visiting their website www.daq.org.au .
DAQ also administers the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) which is a government subsidised scheme. The NDSS provides supplies at a cheaper rate. If you want to know more about the NDSS a Fact Sheet has been provided in the ‘Fact Sheet’ section of this website.
DA - Queensland contact details
Diabetes Supplies
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)
The National Diabetes Services Scheme was started in 1987 by the Australian Government and provides subsidies for specific diabetes products. This means that you get syringes and pen needles free and blood glucose testing strips a bit cheaper because the government “chips in” with the rest of the cost for these items.
Registration for the scheme is free and available to everyone with diabetes, who lives in Australia and holds a current Australian Medicare card. The scheme is run by Diabetes Australia through their state and territory organisations and some accredited pharmacies (sub-agents).
Note: You do not have to be a member of Diabetes Australia to register with the NDSS.
NDSS products
To qualify for the benefits of the NDSS, a registration form must be completed and signed by your doctor or by an Accredited Diabetes Educator and sent to Diabetes Australia Offices or one of their accredited sub-agents/pharmacies. You will then receive a membership card in the mail. You can use your card to get diabetes supplies anywhere in Australia. If you loose your card, contact Diabetes Australia and they will send you another one.
Other discounts are available for persons who hold the following cards.
- Concession cards;
- Pharmaceutical benefits concession card
- Health Care card
- Pension cards:
- Pensioner health benefits
- Health benefits card
- Safety Net cards
- Safety Net concession card
- Safety Net entitlement card
- Veterans Affairs’ cards
In Queensland, diabetes supplies are available from DAQ Shops and Accredited sub-agents/pharmacies and can also be ordered by telephone, by mail or by facsimile.
Registration for the NDSS is free. It is not the same as membership of Diabetes Australia (DAQ) where you pay a joining fee. You do not need to be a member of Diabetes Australia to register with the NDSS.
Further information on the NDSS can be obtained by calling 1300 136 588 or visiting the website at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au or www.daq.org.au
See below for local DAQ shop locations.
DAQ Shop Locations
Health Care Costs
Medicare
Medicare is the program where the Government ensures that all Australians have access to free or low-cost medical, optometry and hospital care.
Medicare covers the cost of:
- All public hospital clinics
- Treatment as a public (Medicare) patient in a public hospital
- All or part of the costs of treatment by practitioners such as doctors, including specialists, participating optometrists or dentists (specified services only).
You will probably find that you have been covered by your parent’s Medicare card. If you are over the age of 15 yrs you are entitled to have your own Medicare card. It may be more convenient and give you more independence if you have your own card.
How to get Your Own Medicare Card
Follow the steps below:
- Gather your identification (birth certificate, passport, bank account details)
- Complete a Medicare copy/transfer application form. This form is available from the HIC (Health Insurance Commission) website www.hic.gov.au or Medicare offices.
- Take all your paperwork to a Medicare office.
Note: It is a good idea to complete the application form before you go into the Medicare office. If your parents are taking the form for you, both you and your parents need to complete the form.
When you are going for a check-up or visit it is important that you always take your Medicare card with you.
What is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing is when the government pays your doctor for your medical care. This means you do not have to pay for your visit. You just have to sign a form after you see your doctor. Many doctors ‘bulk bill’ but many don’t.
Before you make an appointment with a doctor ask if they bulk bill. If they don’t, ask them to explain the costs and how much you can get back from Medicare.
To find out more about Medicare and the charging of fees, visit the Health Commission
Website www.hic.gov.au or phone 132 011
Private Health Insurance
You do not have to have private insurance – it is your choice. There are many private health insurance companies. If you are thinking of taking out private health insurance have a look at what different insurance companies offer and what best suits your needs and budget. For more information click below:
Medibank Private: www.medibank.com.au
Medical Benefits Fund of Australia (MBF): www.MBF.com.au
All private health insurance requires a contribution on a monthly or yearly basis by you. You will need to allow for this when budgeting your money.
You do not need to have private health insurance to see a doctor in private practice. If you do have private insurance it does not allow you to claim any refund for visits to doctors in private practice. Private health insurance will only allow you to get a refund for visits your doctor makes to you if you are admitted to hospital.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The government helps pay for the cost of most medicines under the PBS which means you are charged less. To be eligible to receive medicines under the PBS you need to show your pharmacist your Medicare card when you have your prescription filled.
To find out more about the costs of health care and medication:
- Talk with your medical team
- Visit the Health Insurance Commission website: www.hic.gov.au
- Talk with your pharmacist
- Visit a Medicare Office or phone them on 132 011
- Contact the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 132 290
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