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Timely explainers on Australian health-service changes, with the practical details, limits and follow-up questions that matter for ongoing care.
Food safety · Online claims
Published
Raw milk is promoted on social media as a more natural and nutritious alternative to pasteurised milk. But food-safety authorities say pasteurised milk provides the same nutritional benefits, while raw milk can contain harmful bacteria. The risk of serious illness is particularly important during pregnancy and for young children, older people and people with weakened immune systems.
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Australia · Specialist costs
Published
Specialist fees have been rising faster than inflation, and Medicare often covers only part of a private appointment. That can leave you paying more out of your own pocket. Fees vary between specialists, so ask the clinic what you will pay before booking. If the cost makes it hard to get care, talk with your GP about your options.
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NSW · Pharmacy pill initiation
Published
Yes. Eligible women aged 18–39 can start the pill at a participating NSW pharmacy without first seeing a doctor or getting a doctor’s prescription. A trained pharmacist must assess you in person, including checking your blood pressure. Initial supply is up to three months, and you should be referred for a medical review within one month. NSW Health protocol.
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Australia · Mammograms and heart health
Published
Not as part of routine breast screening yet. Australian researchers have developed a tool that uses mammogram images and a woman’s age to estimate her risk of future heart and blood vessel problems. It could eventually add a heart-health assessment to breast screening, but it still needs further testing. For now, speak with your GP about checking your heart health separately. Australian Government research update.
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Australia · Medicare allied health
Published
Yes. Medicare can help pay for physio and other allied health appointments. One way is through a GP chronic condition management plan and referral. Under these arrangements, eligible patients can usually claim up to five individual sessions a calendar year, shared across providers. A gap fee may apply, so check eligibility with your GP and ask the provider about costs. Current Medicare rules.
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Australia · Virtual care
Published
Australia’s proposed telehealth standards would set clearer expectations for safe virtual care, including whether phone or video is suitable, how results are followed up and who takes over when care moves between clinicians. They are a consultation draft, not new rules already in force. At your next appointment, agree who will follow up your care and how to contact them.
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NSW · Pharmacy choice
Published
Yes. From 5 November 2026, NSW pharmacists can return paper repeats for Schedule 8 and anabolic-androgenic steroidal medicines so you can use another pharmacy. Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) prescriptions are excluded from this change. If your current pharmacy holds your paper repeats, ask the pharmacist whether they can return them and when your next supply is due.
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WA · Contraception
Published
Yes, eligible Medicare cardholders can get a free IUD or contraceptive implant at the Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) clinics in Northbridge or Rockingham. The sexual and reproductive health organisation in Western Australia announced the service from 2 November 2026. Device costs are covered for a limited time, and pain relief may cost extra.
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ADHD assessment · NSW
Published
Yes—specially trained and authorised NSW GPs, called GP endorsed prescribers, can assess and diagnose ADHD in eligible people aged six and over, including adults. Not every GP offers this service. Before booking, check whether the practice provides new diagnostic assessments, whether the service suits your situation and what it will cost.
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Insulin supply · Australia
Published
The TGA says Levemir’s withdrawal is part of Novo Nordisk’s global strategy, not a response to concerns about safety, quality or effectiveness. FlexPen and Penfill are due to be discontinued in Australia in December 2026. If you use Levemir, contact your usual diabetes care team soon to make an individual plan for changing treatment. TGA supply update.
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Victoria · Women’s health
Published
Victoria’s Women’s Health Clinics are specialist services based in hospitals and health services, helping with concerns such as pelvic pain, heavy periods and menopause. They are available to Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people aged 16 or over, usually with a referral. Clinic care is free, although further tests, medicines or procedures you are referred for may cost money.
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Pregnancy · CMV prevention
Published
A shared spoon or kiss does not establish that infection has occurred. Start useful habits now, and contact your maternity team if you are concerned about an exposure.
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Perimenopause · Starting age
Published
Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s, but it can start earlier. If you're noticing changes in your periods, sleep, mood or concentration, it's worth understanding what might be happening.
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Children’s health · Medicare
Published
The Medicare Healthy Kids Check factsheet sets out the new assessment.
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UTI symptoms · Recurrence
Published
UTI symptoms can return because of a new infection, an infection that has not cleared or another condition causing similar symptoms. Reviewing the pattern, earlier results and treatments can help guide the next step.
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Bone health · Referrals
Published
A bone-density scan, also called a DXA or DEXA scan, measures the density of your bones. It can help you and your clinician understand fracture risk and decide whether any further assessment or care would be useful.
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Medicare · Chronic condition care
Published
Managing a long-term health condition can mean keeping track of appointments, treatment, referrals and everyday changes. A care plan brings those pieces together around goals you agree on with your GP.
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Pregnancy · Medicines
Published
Finding a letter beside a medicine you take can leave you with more questions than answers. Does B3 mean something is wrong? Should you be looking for an alternative? What if you took it before knowing you were pregnant?
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Contraception · Non-hormonal options
Published
Perhaps you have tried hormonal contraception and would prefer something different, like the idea of a method you use only when needed, or want reliable protection without another daily task.
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Pregnancy · Iron
Published
Nausea, constipation or stomach pain can make an already demanding pregnancy harder. Struggling with tablets does not mean you have failed at treatment. Raise side effects early, before changing or stopping your iron, so your care team can help you find a workable plan.
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Endometriosis · Pain
Published
Pain can drain your energy, interrupt work, exercise, relationships and sleep, and make planning ahead feel uncertain. Then there is the flood of advice about foods to avoid, routines to follow and things you are supposedly doing wrong.
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Perimenopause · Sleep
Published
By bedtime, you’re almost afraid to get your hopes up. You’re exhausted. You’d love to believe tonight will be different.
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Menopause · Pain at midlife
Published
Aches and pains around menopause deserve attention, and there are several approaches that may help. The starting point is understanding what is contributing to your symptoms and which options fit your health and everyday life.
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Sunscreen · 4-MBC
Published
Keep using sunscreen. Australia’s medicines regulator is reviewing an ingredient called 4-MBC, and its advice remains to protect your skin with sunscreen, clothing, shade, a hat and sunglasses.
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Supplements · Vitamin B6
Published
Vitamin B6 can be present in several supplements you take, making it easy to get more than you realise. Checking the ingredients across your products can help you spot an overlap and prepare for a conversation with your GP.
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Victoria · Pharmacy resupply
Published
Eligible Victorians can now have established menopause hormone therapy resupplied at a participating pharmacy after an in-person assessment. The pathway is for stable treatment and does not replace ongoing GP or prescriber reviews.
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