Han's Story
Hans, 51, has a history of complex chronic illness, including cardiac disease. He lives alone in Sydney, 10 kms away from a major city hospital. Due to his complex conditions Hans is unable to work and receives a disability pension.
On this occasion Hans is short of breath, has chest pain and collapses. His wife calls an ambulance and he is taken to the emergency department where he is told that he has had a heart attack. The cost of transportation to the hospital is $316 . This cost is borne by the Ambulance Service as Hans has a Healthcare card.
Hans is admitted as public patient and undergoes cardiac bypass surgery. Following his heart surgery, he is transferred to the Coronary Care Unit and pain relief is provided as required.
After a week, he is advised he can go home the next day. The total cost of Hans's hospital care including treatment in the ED, all diagnostic services and medication, is $29,844. This cost is paid for by the hospital as Hans was a public patient.
One week after discharge Hans returns as an outpatient and sees his specialist, the cardiac surgeon. 6 weeks after discharge he sees his specialist again for review. The combined cost of these 2 visits paid for by the hospital is $280.
Shortly after discharge Hans commences an 8 week program of cardiac rehabilitation as an outpatient. This costs the hospital $800.
Once Hans has completed his initial two visits to his specialist he sees his General Practitioner for an updated Care Plan. This is a long consultation with a cost to Medicare of $98. Any medication prescribed for Hans by his GP would be provided under the Commonwealth-funded Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with a small co-payment made by Hans.
TOTAL COST: $31,338