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10 Aug 2022
In this latest episode of Taking care, we explore:
Host Tash Miles is joined by consumer advocate, Renate Hughes, dentist, Dr Chris Sanzaro, and Associate Professor, Amanda Neil, health economist from the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
Renate Hughes, who lives with a disability and multiple chronic conditions, understands all too well the choices between healthcare and other essentials like food or paying rent.
‘I have hundreds of stories of people who have deferred, or not engaged in, health care and then ended up in an acute care situation.’
According to Associate Professor Amanda Neil, patients pay one-fifth of all health spending in Australia each year though out of pocket costs.
‘Ultimately it's about choices. Choices either to purchase healthcare, or not to purchase healthcare, and cost (or price) is a major factor,’ she said.
But there are ways to make it more affordable. As a dentist of 20 years and practice owner, Dr Chris Sanzaro encourages patients to have full and frank conversations with providers about the potential cost of any treatment.
‘The stigma around cost discussions is something that really shouldn’t be there.
‘If that discussion is very open and honest right from the start, it makes it a lot easier for everyone to be involved.’
Listen to the full episode here.
The Taking care podcast series offers professional and consumer perspectives on current issues and answers some frequently asked questions about public safety in healthcare. Download and listen to the latest Taking care episode today. Ahpra releases a new episode fortnightly, discussing current topics and the latest issues affecting safe healthcare in Australia. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and by searching ‘Taking Care’ in your podcast player.