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Motivation & Insight into Medicine 1
Some doctors warn that Australia is heading towards a US-style health system, what are your thoughts on this?
Average Candidate Response
I disagree with this and believe that there are numerous differences between the two health systems, making this prediction highly unlikely.
Excellent Candidate Response
I believe that due to the significant differences between the Australian and American healthcare systems, it is unlikely that Australia would develop a US-style health system. Despite both countries utilising Medicare as their main means of providing healthcare to all, there are stark differences between their systems - the pharmaceutical sector is an example of this. In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of medication for patients, whereas in the US, prescriptions are generally accessed via private healthcare. This means that patients in Australia generally pay less for medication, especially those who have multiple prescriptions, thus it is unlikely that this policy would change towards a US-style approach given that it would likely be politically unpopular.
Furthermore, approaches to private healthcare vary between these two countries. In the US, policies such as the Affordable Care Act have encouraged patients to access private healthcare, with very few citizens actually using Medicare and Medicaid. In Australia, however, Medicare covers an array of different services, for example basic consultation fees, in addition to the tests and examinations that doctors conduct when diagnosing patients. As Medicare in Australia is responsible for such a variety of healthcare services – many of which are imperative to maintaining effective patient care – I believe that it is improbable that this country would move towards the US system.
I disagree with this and believe that there are numerous differences between the two health systems, making this prediction highly unlikely.
Excellent Candidate Response
I believe that due to the significant differences between the Australian and American healthcare systems, it is unlikely that Australia would develop a US-style health system. Despite both countries utilising Medicare as their main means of providing healthcare to all, there are stark differences between their systems - the pharmaceutical sector is an example of this. In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of medication for patients, whereas in the US, prescriptions are generally accessed via private healthcare. This means that patients in Australia generally pay less for medication, especially those who have multiple prescriptions, thus it is unlikely that this policy would change towards a US-style approach given that it would likely be politically unpopular.
Furthermore, approaches to private healthcare vary between these two countries. In the US, policies such as the Affordable Care Act have encouraged patients to access private healthcare, with very few citizens actually using Medicare and Medicaid. In Australia, however, Medicare covers an array of different services, for example basic consultation fees, in addition to the tests and examinations that doctors conduct when diagnosing patients. As Medicare in Australia is responsible for such a variety of healthcare services – many of which are imperative to maintaining effective patient care – I believe that it is improbable that this country would move towards the US system.