Treatments & procedures

Ready to quit smoking? Here’s how to do it successfully

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health – now and into the future. Here are the evidence-based strategies to help you kick the habit.

Day hospitals and elective surgery: What you need to know

Day hospitals offer specialist services that may be the option for the surgery you’ve been waiting for.

Can you prevent dementia?

Dementia is a serious condition with no known cure, but the good news is that simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk.

Ask Dr Google: Where should you go for health information?

While going to Google for a medical diagnosis is not recommended, there are some trusted health websites that can help prompt the right conversations with your doctor – if you use them correctly.

COVID-19 AND PRIVATE HOSPITAL TREATMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Australian hospital system has adapted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with public and private hospitals working together to make sure they have the capacity to treat those that need care.

How To Keep Your Cover If You’Re Struggling Financially

Your health is our number one priority, so we’ve made important changes to make sure you’re covered for COVID-19 and to give you financial support if you need it during these uncertain times.

Treatment at home: What you need to know about your options

If you’re wondering how to access hospital treatment during COVID-19, our treatment at home options can help you to leave hospital early or avoid it altogether. Our hospital treatment at home plans can provide assurance in these uncertain times.

Health insurance and out of pockets: The questions to ask your doctor

A conversation with your doctor can help you avoid out-of-pocket costs.

Here are five questions to ask your doctor to help you make the right decision for your health care and help avoid bill shock.

FROM BOTOX TO BREAST IMPLANTS: THE DANGERS OF COSMETIC SURGERY

Considering cosmetic surgery? Here’s how to weigh up the risks before deciding.

Back Pain: When is it time for surgery?

Back pain is a problem for around four million Australians and people grapple with the symptoms of lower and upper back pain every day. But how do you know when you’re ready for back surgery? If you’re facing the possibility of spinal surgery, here are some key things to consider.

Why root canal treatment isn't as bad as you might think

A tooth infection can be painful, but root canal treatment itself can be painless. Find out more about the procedure.

Tools to help you plan for hospital

These HCF resources are designed to take some of the stress out of going to hospital, so you can concentrate on getting better.

Your health: why it’s okay to get a second opinion

You have the right to a second medical opinion. Seeing another health professional can be reassuring and help you make informed decisions.

Contraception Options: birth control for women over 40

As you get older your health risks and hormones change. If you’re a woman over 40, you may want to review your contraception. Here are some worth considering.

Should I get my blood pressure checked?

How blood pressure works, and what the normal ranges are.

Should I reuse, recycle or return my medication and medical supplies?

From crutches and X-rays to medicines, we look at what you can do with them after use or expiry.

Inpatient vs outpatient services

We explain the difference between inpatient and outpatient hospital services – what you may be able to claim for and when health insurance can’t cover you.

GENERIC VERSUS BRAND-NAME MEDICINES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Swapping to a generic medication may save you money. But what do you need to know about generic medicines and do they work as well as the branded version?

AVOIDING UNEXPECTED DOCTOR’S COSTS

Understanding doctors' fees and charges is the key to avoiding bill shock.

Concussion in sport

Sports concussions are on the rise and can have serious long-term effects.

SHOULD YOU LIMIT YOUR X-RAY EXPOSURE?

X-rays have been used in medicine for more than 120 years. What risks do we need to be aware of?

THE SIMPLE NEW TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER

A recent report recommends people with cancer incorporate exercise into their treatment plan. We find out why.

FACT OR FICTION? 6 COMMON DENTAL HEALTH BELIEFS

Do you know the best way to care for your teeth and gums? We ask an expert for the facts on oral hygiene.

Informed clinical consent: what you need to know

Understanding informed clinical consent is just as important as knowing about your procedure.

BRINGING STYLE TO HOSPITAL GOWNS

This fashion start-up is bringing dignity and style to hospital gowns.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK FOR A HOSPITAL STAY?

Going to hospital can be stressful. We find out what you can and can’t bring to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

WHAT IS CHEMOTHERAPY?

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment: we explain what it involves and the different forms it can take.

Choosing the right specialist

Private health insurance enables you to choose your medical specialist – here’s how to find the right one for you.

MEDICAL TOURISM: WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Heading overseas for surgery may be gaining popularity, but it’s important to weigh up the risks.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO TREAT MINOR BURNS?

Minor burns can be treated quickly and effectively if you know what to do.

YOUR GUIDE TO IMPORTANT CHECK-UPS FOR CHILDREN

When do you take your child to their first eye test or dental check-up? Here’s what you need to know.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR HOSPITAL

Here’s how to make the hospital experience less stressful for you and your child.

Childhood vaccination: The facts

What you need to do to keep your child on track with the vaccination schedule, and the truth about vaccination side effects.

The vaccination conversation: when families disagree

When it comes to the health and wellbeing of a child, disagreements can be a problem. Here’s some expert advice on starting the conversation.

Health checks by age: the tests you should be having

Your guide to staying on top of your health, through every stage of life.

The anti-vaccination movement:
myths vs facts

It’s a divisive, and emotive, topic. We track the history of the anti-vaccination movement and the potential consequences of under-vaccination.

Do you avoid visiting the dentist?

If you’re worried about the cost, or anxious about dental treatment, you’re not alone. Tackling these issues head on is the way forward.

MENOPAUSE: IS HRT A SAFE OPTION?

There’s a lot of confusion around the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy. We weigh up the evidence.

SUPPLEMENTS: SCIENCE OR SCAM?

The vitamin industry is a multi-billion dollar business, which has given rise to a sometimes uneasy mix of science and money.

Addictive prescription drugs: understand the risks

Get the facts on opiate and benzodiazepine misuse, and how to seek help.

How to get the most from your GP visit

Maximising your time with your doctor can bring real health benefits.

Take control of your end of life care

Explore and document the terminal care and treatment you want to receive when the time comes.

How chiropractic works

The method and potential benefits of chiropractic treatment and how to find a registered chiropractor.

How CT scans work

Professor John Slavotinek, Dean of Clinical Radiology at the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Radiologists explains.

How MRI scans work

What to expect if you need a magnetic resonance imaging scan and its uses as a diagnostic tool.

How physiotherapy works

What physiotherapy is, what conditions it can treat and how to find a practitioner.

How to avoid medication interactions

Prescribed medication is an exact science so it’s important not to mix it with anything that affects how it works.

Medicine cabinet essentials

Are you equipped to handle the next bout of the flu or grazed knee in your household? Make sure your supplies are up to the job.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.

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