Information management

Statistical information collected from Medicare Australia administered programs is used, within strict privacy guidelines, to develop and provide health information and services for the Australian community and health sector. These information services are designed to assist health decision-making to improve community health by:

• supporting clinicians to evaluate and improve clinical practice;
• promoting evidence-based approaches to health care;
• coordinating care between medical practitioners and integrating information from different sources; and
• providing health care consumers with information to make more informed decisions and improve access to services.

Significant developments in technology and Internet accessibility have resulted in a focus on the development of online information services.

Information requests

Medicare Australia provides timely and satisfactory responses to statistical information requests. These requests may come from health professionals, public sector authorities, researchers, health providers and individuals. Medicare Australia can provide information about the data it holds and assist users to define their data requirements.

Last updated: 13 March, 2009