Specialists in most specialities work in both the hospital and community setting and in the public and private hospital settings. To see a specialist you need a referral from your GP (or via another specialist).

All GPs have access to a list of public and private referral pathways.

Public health system:

• If you do not have private health insurance or the funds to pay privately or your needs are very complex, the public health system is the one for you.
• Wait times can be longer and you don’t get to choose your specialist however the access to a variety of supports across the length of what you require is often more beneficial for people with physical disabilities.
• If you require rehabilitation or equipment after any surgery, this is provided by the public health system. If you need any changes to your home or more support when you go home, the hospital team will support everything required to transition home.

Private health system:

• If you have private health insurance then going private may be for you.
• You can choose your specialist or surgeon and are likely to have surgery much earlier than in the public health system.
• It is very important that if you take this path that you discuss with your surgeon what the rehabilitation will be after the surgery. Talk to your health fund before committing to anything.
  • What is offered?
  • Who pays? You? Insurance? Is it included in the hospital admission or is it extra?
  • If you need equipment, who will pay for this? Most funding for equipment including home modifications that would normally be available is not available in the first few months after surgery or a hospital admission, normally three months.
  • If you need any changes to your home when you are discharged, who will assess and pay for this?
  • If you need more support when you go home, how will this be organised?
  • Think about how you will pay for this if paid support, equipment or modifications are required if it is not covered by your health insurance.

Regardless of which health system you enter, if you have a primary therapy team, encourage both teams to be talking to each other. If rehabilitation is required, always ask what would normally be provided by the health system and ask to receive the same. Community therapy teams do not always have the capacity or the facilities to provide the level of rehabilitation required. It is best to discuss what is possible before any surgery.