Choose a health service that can assess your concern and help you understand your care. Before booking, ask about the language, support and appointment arrangements you need.
Table of Contents
- Choosing a health service
- Choosing your support
- Questions before booking
- When you need urgent help
- If you are not heard
Choosing a health service
Start with the care you need. Ask whether the service can assess your concern and whether its appointment arrangements work for you.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care explains that cultural safety for First Nations people is determined by individuals, families and communities. It includes addressing racism and power differences, not only making appointments easier.
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation may be an option. These services are community controlled. Ask about the care and appointments available.
Choosing your support
Think about what would help you explain your concern and understand the advice. If bringing someone, decide whether you would like them present throughout the appointment or only for part of it.
Questions before booking
Ask the service what it can arrange:
- Interpreter: Can you arrange an interpreter in my language? How is it arranged, and is there a cost?
- Support person: Can someone come with me? Can I speak with the clinician alone for part of the appointment?
- Time and costs: Should I book a longer appointment? What will it cost, and how do I pay?
- Choice of clinician or service: Is a clinician I feel comfortable with available, and can they assess my concern?
Confirm the arrangements before you attend. Healthdirect’s guide to choosing a health professional has more questions to help you choose a service.
When you need urgent help
For a life threatening illness or injury, call triple zero (000). For other concerns that worry you, seek advice from an appropriately qualified health professional. Healthdirect explains where to get health advice.
If you are not heard
If you do not understand an explanation, ask the clinician to explain it again in plain words. Before leaving, check the next step, whether a review is needed and who to contact with questions.
If you feel unheard or disrespected, you can give feedback to the service or seek a different health professional. If you change providers, ask how ongoing care and your records will be transferred.
This is general information, not personal medical advice.