Ask a health navigator
Have you just been given a diagnosis and you're not sure where to start?
Are you taking steps to improve your health and wellbeing, and need help finding services?
Are you having trouble working out the aged care system?
Finding health and wellbeing services can be hard. We can help!
Our Health Navigators are here to help to listen to your needs, provide you with information*, and connect you with services that can help you on your health and wellbeing journey. And the best news it's completely free^ for every Tasmanian, member or not.
*All information provided through health navigation is for information purposes only and is not suitable for the advice of a qualified health professional.
^If you use the services of a provider we have suggested, there may be fees involved.
Here are some questions we received recently from some participants:
I’m over 65 and starting to think I might need some help around the house. Is there any Government funding towards this?
My Aged Care is the gateway to accessing Government-funded home help when you’re over the age of 65. Funding can be provided for supports like cleaning, gardening, transport, meals and personal care (e.g. showering). The first step is to apply for an assessment - it’s a good idea to get the process underway sooner rather than later, as there can be long wait times. If you’re not sure where to start, our Health Navigators are happy to explain the process to you. Once you’ve been approved for funding, we can even help you find out which service providers may be taking on new clients.
I’m a St Lukes member, I’m seeing my surgeon soon to book in for an operation – what are some useful things to ask them?
It’s always a good idea to think of some questions in advance and write them down to take to your appointment – sometimes it can be hard to think in the moment!
Some useful questions you could ask are:
- What is the expected cost of the operation? You can ask for an Informed Financial Consent, which will tell you your expected out-of-pocket cost
- Are there other doctors who will be involved in my operation, and how can I find out about their fees? For example, an assistant surgeon or anaesthetist
- Do you participate in the St Lukes Medical Gap arrangement? You can find more information about this on the St Lukes website Medical Gap | St Lukes
- Will there be other out-of-pocket costs I should be aware of? For example, blood tests, scans and medications
- What kind of post-operative care do you think I will need?
Once you have your Informed Financial Consent and Item Numbers for the operation, have a chat to our Customer Care team to find out if you’re covered (Health Navigators can’t access your policy).
If you need any help organising services and support for after your operation, our Health Navigation team can help you get started – just reach out! This goes for non-members as well – we’re here to help all Tasmanians.
I want to see a dietitian who specialises in Eating Disorders - can you help me find someone?
We know it can feel better to talk to a clinician who really understands your needs. That’s where our Health Navigators come in — we’re here to help you narrow down the options. We talk to clinics all over Tasmania and learn what different clinicians are experts at. If we don’t know the answer right away, we’ll look into it and get back to you.
We can also show you how to start looking yourself. For example, did you know many clinic websites tell you what each team member specialises in? We’re happy to guide you through it.
I am still within waiting periods to get hearing aids through my private health insurance, but I won’t be able to wait that long. Hearing aids are expensive for a pensioner, what options do I have?
Hearing aids play an important role in maintaining your health and wellbeing, but they can be expensive. If your private health insurance doesn't cover the cost, our Health Navigators can guide you through government support options that may help with the cost of buying hearing aids, if you are eligible.
We can also help you find a nearby audiology clinic, making it easier to take the next step in your hearing care journey.
So if you have a question, or just need a hand getting started on your journey, reach out to one of us today. You can book an appointment with the team or fill in the form below. Please allow two business days for a response.
Ask a Health Navigator
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