What does medicare cover?

[the4hopes]

The questions in the title!
Thanks, Laura x

[Rachiegarlo]

medicare covers you for all hospital care except for cosmetic surgery done by choice. It covers for 80% of GP fees and specialist fees.
it also covers for optical tests but not prescriptions.
it doesn't cover dental, physio unless its part of ongoing hospital treatment, optical,which is why you should at least take out extras cover.Dental graduates are the highest paid graduates in their first year out of uni here.......

[chillyanna]

Hi
i would like to ask in adelaide is it possible to see a specialist doctor without the need to be refered by a GP like we do here in the uk? i know when i was in brazil i could see any specialist without the need to be referd.
thanks
paul

[Rachiegarlo]

usually you need a referral from a gp if it's been 12 months since you saw the specialist, if you want it to be covered by medicare. obviously once you are under ongoing care then you can make appointments directly.