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Read this today, perhaps midwives could classify
themselves as Allied Health Professionals instead of the uneducated mass we are
obviously lumped in with !
Perhaps our Uni quals are less prestigious than theirs but the Govt
recognise that these folks actually know what they are doing, we apparently
don't !!
From Health Matters on the ABC's website 15/1: www.abc.net.au/health/cguides/alliedhealthsevices2
This guide builds on Health Matters' previous Consumer Guide to Allied health services and profiles a further six allied health professionals – exercise physiologists, naturopaths, speech pathologists, osteopaths, chiropractors and audiologists. It outlines what they do, how you access them and how much you can expect to pay. While generally, Medicare won't cover fees, some free or low-cost public services are available. There may be long waiting lists, however, especially in rural areas. From 1 July 2004, patients with a chronic condition can obtain a Medicare rebate of $44.95 per consultation with allied health professionals – but not naturopaths and exercise physiologists – provided that the treatment is part of a patient care plan drawn up by a GP. (The rebate will be available for consultations with exercise physiologists from January 1, 2006). However, the rebate is available for a total of no more than five consultations in a year and this limit covers all allied health professionals. So if you claim for two sessions with a physio, you can claim for only three further sessions with a different type of allied health professional, such as a dietician (midwives not being nearly as qualified as dieticians apparently) As well, if you have private health insurance, most funds offer rebates. Rebate levels vary but are generally much less than the cost of the consultation and there are limits on the total amount that can be claimed in a year. If you are a rural patient, the More Allied Health Services program means you can access certain public or private allied health professionals (where available) for free if you are referred by a GP. From the Australian Govt Dept of Health: In 2003-04, 210.5 full time equivalent allied health professionals were funded through the MAHS Program, covering a range of professions. The key professionals employed were psychologists, registered nurses in specialist roles, such as diabetes and asthma educators and dieticians. Midwives NOT being specialist anything I guess??? |
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