My First Deal with Medicare

Time for me to talk about my first experience with Australian Healthcare.

A few days ago, I had to see a doctor about an infected eye. So I went to a nearby medical centre.
Registered at the counter and showed my driving license and medicare card.

The first thing that I saw was the sign that says if you wish to get a faster consultation with a doctor, you can opt for 'Private Appointment' and pay A$55 first, and claim a $35 refund from Medicare.

I am guessing that is to 'skip queue' to go to a 'VIP Queue'.

Of course, I opted for the free one. So I waited. The place was crowded as it was located at a high-traffic area. There are at least 20 other people there.
And so I waited.

25 minutes later, the doctor came and called my name. I went in. Told the doctor the problem with my eye. And it has been recurring on the same eye. He dripped an orange dye and used UV light to see if there are any growth in my eye. He can't find anything. And he told me that since it has been recurring, he would recommend to see a specialist.

He asked if I want to go to a nearby private specialist centre, where they are good and the fees is about a couple of hundred dollars. Or I can go to the Sydney Eye Hospital in the city, where it is free. Of course, I opted for the free one.

So I left my car in the garage, and took a train down to the city after my lunch.

I reached the hospital at 3pm. Went to the reception, created a file with the triage - medical details, allergies, etc. Then I was told to sit and wait.

10 minutes later, I was called by a sweet lady to go for an eye-sight test. After which, I get to sit at the waiting area again.

15 minutes later, I was called by another sweet lady. She's the doctor. Did more eye examinations, more dye, more lights in the eye, etc. She called another senior doctor to examine me. Explained more things to me. Final conclusion, not too big a deal, just need to take more care of my sensitive eyes.

Gave me a prescription for an eye-drop. Now that is the only one that costs me money during the whole day. A$25.