AHIA National Conference 2006

The impending reforms to the Private Health Insurance legislation are potentially the most significant changes to the delivery of healthcare in Australia in several decades. It is clear that the manner in which the reforms are implemented by different industry sectors will determine the eventual value of the reforms to the Australian health consumer.

This session will provide an opportunity for varied Industry Sectors to discuss what they see as the outcomes of the implementation of the reforms.

This session will examine the science behind some of the medical advances, and will provide an opportunity to gauge the cost implications for consumers, the Government, and the whole health sector.

A number of private health insurers have established entities with the aim of funding and promoting health and medical research in Australia.

The ahm Health and Medical Research Fund, the HCF Health and Medical Research Foundation and the MBF Foundation have all been established with the aim of funding and supporting Australian health and medical research, the outcomes of which are designed to benefit not only those with Private Health Insurance but the community as a whole.

Research funding commitments in excess of $10m have been made by these organisations in the last twelve months. Speakers on the program are all researches whose work has benefited from funding and support provided by these organisations.

Healthcare spending – Private Health Insurance in perspective

As important a component as it is, Private Health Insurance remains a relatively small and constricted source of funding Australia burgeoning healthcare expenditure. In fact, its relative role has actually declined in recent years notwithstanding increased PHI participation within the population.

This session will examine trends in healthcare expenditure and possible implications for private funding and PHI insurers.

Quality in Healthcare has traditionally involved processes such as accreditation, and risk management through systems and activities focused on limiting adverse events. Whilst addressing the human and financial costs of adverse
events is an industry priority, it is also time for us to look at the quality of health care from a value perspective – is the care appropriate and effective?

This session addresses the challenge for the industry to move to a more long term quality approach that ensures the investment in health care delivers better health outcomes.