AHA Clinics is introducing changes to co-payments. Here’s why.

Independent practitioners (doctors) working with AHA Clinics introduced changes to co-payments for standard consults from 4 April 2022* to help offset the increasing cost of health care in Australia.

Since AHA’s inception in 1970 we have prided ourselves on opening up access to first class health services for our Seaford community, as affordably as possible. We understand that every dollar matters to our patients. So making the decision to introduce changes to the independent practitioner co-payment policy is not something that has been taken lightly. 

 

Why are these changes being introduced?

Since the beginning of 2020, the cost of health care has skyrocketed. For example, the pandemic saw the introduction of mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which comes at a huge cost and is increasingly difficult to source. COVID protocols have caused a big rise in administration and practice management costs. We’ve also faced a land tax uplift in South Australia. Meanwhile, Medicare rebates remain stagnant. 

We know that everyone has been doing it tough, so independent practitioners at AHA avoided passing on any of these costs to patients for two years. But the priority, above all else, is to ensure that our community can access first class health care at the highest standards possible. And to do that, measures must be taken to ensure AHA Clinics remain sustainable. 

 

How much is the co-payment for a standard consult be from 4 April 2022?

Like many medical practices, most patient consultations are covered by Medicare plus a co-payment (also known as a ‘gap’). Independent practitioners at AHA along with AHA’s finance team worked hard to keep your out of pocket cost down as much as possible. The breakdown from 4 April 2022 is as follows:

  • Standard consult: Up to 15 minutes (max. two health concerns), Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm: $20 co-payment
  • Long consult: 15 – 30 minute consult (max. four health concerns), Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm: $40 co-payment
  • Standard after hours consult: Monday to Friday from 6pm, all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: $40 co-payment
  • Long after hours consult: Monday to Friday from 6pm, all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: $60 co-payment

As is standard practice, you will continue to pay for the full consultation with the Medicare fee reimbursed directly into your bank account.

 

Co-payment exemptions, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm:

  • DVA Gold Card holders
  • Families SA
  • Patients 65 and over with concession card
  • Child immunisations
  • Health assessments, care plans including mental health and GP management plans

 

Co-payment exemptions, ALL times:

  • DVA Gold Card holders
  • Families SA

We value the relationships that have been built with the AHA community over many years. We thank you and appreciate your understanding as we continue to work hard to take care of you. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our team via email at feedback@ahaclinics.com.au.

John McMahon

Chairman, AHA Clinics

*The initial date for the changes to co-payments has been updated from 1 February to 4 April 2022.

What makes a great General Practitioner?

success tips doctors

Are you looking for a great doctor in Adelaide’s southern suburbs? Here’s what to look for in your General Practitioner.

  • Qualifications

It sounds obvious, but your doctor should have all of the required qualifications and working rights to be able to practice. Don’t feel silly asking the question. This is of utmost importance and your doctor should be adhering to the highest industry standards

  • Experience

How much experience does the doctor have? How long have they been practicing and do they have specific experience in the areas where you believe you’ll need the most support? For example, women’s health or paediatric care for young families.

  • Great communication

Communication is incredibly important in health care. Your doctor should be able to talk to you about your health in a way that is easy to understand. You should come away from your appointment with certainty about the next steps.

  • Empathy

We don’t just want medical outcomes, we want to know that our doctor really understands us and what we’re going through. Your doctor should be empathetic to your situation and needs.

  • Excellent facilities and consulting rooms

Top facilities are a priority for good doctors. If a doctor is ok with working in a tired, unsuitable clinic, or has a disorganised consulting space, you should rightly be concerned about the quality of care you could receive.

  • Passion and motivation

A good doctor is working for more than a good paycheck. They should really care about helping every one of their patients and making a positive impact on their community. You can often pick up on a doctor’s passion and motivation from your first meeting.

AHA has excellent, experienced and highly qualified General Practitioners available at our Seaford Rd and Seaford Meadows clinics. 

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Top tips to strengthen your immune system

Losing weight the healthy way

Prevention is always better than the cure. One of the most important things you can do to avoid illness and maximise quality of life is to keep your immune system strong.

But how? Here’s our key tips.

  • Choose the healthy food options

Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, integrating these fresh foods into every meal. Check packaging labels and slash your sugar intake. Move away from takeaway or pre-packaged food; typically when you make more meals from scratch, it’s far easier to control your food and make better nutrition choices.

  • Integrate exercise into your daily routine

Going from little exercise to training in a gym every day may be unrealistic. However, making little lifestyle adjustments, such as walking to an appointment instead of driving, taking the stairs, taking the dog for an extra walk during the week, makes a big difference. More movement increases your base level of fitness and your general health.

  • Get plenty of sleep

Your body needs sleep to recover. And in our ever-connected worlds, poor sleep quality is a growing problem and a major factor in struggling immune systems. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep to be in tip top condition.

  • Mindfulness matters

Mental health impacts physical health. If you’re stressed or impacted by anxiety, see what lifestyle adjustments you can make to improvements in this area. Meditation is helpful, along with reducing social media consumption. And taking the steps we’ve mentioned for your immune system will help your mental wellbeing, too. And of course, ensure you consult a doctor about any mental health challenges.

  • Kick unhealthy habits

It’s not just about what to do, it’s about what not to do. Quit smoking. Drink alcohol only in moderation. Cut back on those coffees. Drink less sugary drinks and juice, and opt for more water.

  • Stay safe

Use common sense by washing your hands regularly, cooking your meat properly and steer clear from those who are sick. Follow the latest health advice from your doctor and credible health sources. And don’t forget to get plenty of fresh air and sunshine!

  • Schedule a regular check up with your doctor

One of the best things to do is to get a regular health check up with your GP. We’d suggest at least once a year, and if you’re over 50 or have health conditions, you’ll need to come in more often. A check up is a great opportunity to get a general physical assessment, potentially identify any health concerns or risks early and also discuss any challenges or concerns you may have.

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These 10 Healthy Tips can help you become more active in your healthcare.

This summary has been produced by the Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Healthcare, which has been set up by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to improve the safety of healthcare in Australia.

  • 01. Be actively involved in your own healthcare.

Take part in every decision to help prevent things from going wrong and get the best possible care for your needs.

  • 02. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.

Ask questions.

Expect answers that you can understand.

  • 03. Learn more about your condition or treatments.

Collect as much reliable information as you can.

Ask your healthcare professional:

  • What should I look out for?
  • Please tell me more about my condition, tests and treatment.
  • How will the tests or treatments help me and what is involved?
  • What are the risks and what is likely to happen if I don’t have this treatment?

  • 04. Keep a list of all the medicines you are taking.

Write them all down, including:

  • prescriptions,
  • over-the-counter,
  • complementary medicines (e.g. vitamins and herbs),
  • information about drug allergies you may have.

  • 05. Make sure you understand the medicines you are taking.

Read the label, including the warnings. Make sure it is what your doctor ordered for you.

Ask about:

  • directions for use,
  • possible side effects or interactions,
  • how long you’ll need to take it for?

  • 06. Get the results of any test or procedure.

Call your doctor to find out your results.

Ask what they mean for your care.

  • 07. Talk about your options if you need to go into hospital.

Ask:

  • How quickly does this need to happen?
  • Is there an option to have the surgery/procedure done as a day patient, or in an alternative hospital?

  • 08. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery or a procedure.

Ask:

  • What will the surgery or procedure involve and are there any risks?
  • Are there other possible treatments?
  • How much will it cost?

Tell your healthcare professionals if you have allergies or if you have ever had a bad reaction to an anesthetic or any other drug.

  • 09. Make sure you, your doctor and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.

Confirm which operation will be performed and where, as close as possible to it happening.

  • 10. Before you leave hospital, ask your healthcare professional to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

Make sure you understand your continuing treatment, medicines and follow-up care.

Visit your GP as soon as possible after you are discharged.

* These 10 Tips have been adapted from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient fact sheets (available on the Internet at www.ahrq.gov/consumer).