The Australian Health Care System 4E provides students with a comprehensive and forward-looking overview of the structure and operation of health systems and services in Australia. It analyses how the inputs of Australian health services, such as finances, the health workforce, and the roles of state and federal government, influence the outcomes, which range from consumer confidence to policy changes. Written with an emphasis on policy and economic issues, the book provides an extensive overview of the interactions between consumers and providers of health care in Australia. It includes expanded coverage of Primary Care, Specialist Health Services, Aged Care and Disability Services and increased pedagogy, such as case studies of sections of the health care system.

Table of Contents

1. Frameworks for Analysis 2. The Australian Population and its Health 3. Financing Health Care 4. The Health Workforce 5. Governance, Accountability and Reform 6. Public Health 7. Primary Health Care Services 8. Hospitals 9. Specialised Health Services 10. Pharmaceuticals 11. Aged care and Disability Services 12. Policy Challenges for the Australian Health Care System Appendices Appendix 1: Funding flows for hospital and medical services, Australia Appendix 2: Evolution of Medicare/Health insurance arrangements