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Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health care system when they have a health problem. This is usually your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.

Treatment as a public patient in Victorian public hospitals is free to all Australian citizens and most permanent residents of Australia.

The Australian Government Department of Health will assess your income and assets to work out how much financial help you will get for a place in a residential aged care home.

Family members may be involved in making healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions and it is not a medical emergency.

Ask your doctor and healthcare providers what you will be charged for each new service, what is covered by Medicare and what is included in your healthcare plan.

If you see a number of healthcare professionals, it is important to tell them about any other healthcare services you are using.

There are a large range of government supports to assist you, depending on your situation.

For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.

Maintaining and tracking healthcare

There is a range of community health services and supports available for people with disabilities and the elderly still living independently at home.