HCF's Health Agenda - Treatments and Procedures Hub

Breast cancer: signs, symptoms and treatments

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Aussie women, but with frequent self-examinations, regular screenings and some lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk.

SHOULD YOU BE A PRIVATE PATIENT IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL?

Should you use your private health cover if you find yourself in a public hospital? Here are some important points to consider before deciding.

What is good oral hygiene? How to look after your teeth

Good oral hygiene supports your overall wellbeing. Here’s what you should know about brushing your teeth, how to floss and how often to go to the dentist.

Kids' dental care: what parents need to know

Looking after your kids’ teeth from a young age helps establish good dental habits. From flossing to braces, here’s what parents need to know about dental care for kids.

Science-backed ways to get pain relief

Everything you need to know about pain and all the options for relief.

5 BENEFITS OF A REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UP

Regular visits to your dentist can help you avoid dental decay, fear of the dentist and even keep your heart healthy.

7 MEN'S HEALTH CHECKS TO BOOK NOW

Men need regular health check-ups to talk about preventive healthcare with their doctor and help detect early signs of common chronic diseases.

7 ways to get the most value from your health cover

From 100% back on popular extras to joining our health and wellbeing programs, here are seven key ways to get more value from your health cover.

WOULD A KNEE REPLACEMENT REDUCE YOUR KNEE PAIN?

Thinking of having a knee replacement? The SMART Choice digital decision tool that’s being developed could help you assess your individual risks and benefits.

Why it’s so important to get the flu shot this year

Medical practitioners recommend getting the flu shot every year, but experts say the seasonal flu vaccine is even more important in 2022. Here’s why.

What to wear to medical tests

What you wear for medical tests can make your experience safer, more comfortable and a lot less awkward. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

Surgery recovery: Preparation is key

What can you do before your upcoming surgery to put your body in the best position for a strong recovery?

11 types of dental health specialists

Dentists aren’t the only oral health experts – there’s a whole host of professionals helping to look after your teeth. Here’s an explainer of who’s who in dental health.

TOOLS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR HOSPITAL

Follow one patient’s journey to learn how the private hospital process works.

Rest easy with our No-Gap Joints program

Have you been delaying joint replacement surgery because it’s too daunting or haven’t been able to afford it? Our No-Gap Joints program makes it easy for you to take back control of your health.

What does a women’s health physio do?

Have you put a health issue like incontinence or pelvic pain in the too-hard basket? A women’s health physio could set you on a path to better health.

VASECTOMY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING “THE SNIP”

While having a vasectomy can be daunting, it’s a simple, routine procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Here’s an overview to help you understand the essentials and make a decision.

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.

HOW TO PREVENT DEMENTIA

With these lifestyle changes you can help keep your brain in top shape and reduce your risk for dementia.

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.

How To Keep Your Cover If You’Re Struggling Financially

Your health is our 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 difficult and challenging times.

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

We’re giving our eligible members options around the types of treatment available at home to help you stay in control of your health journey and get the help you need, when you need it.

Health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses: questions to ask

Questions to ask your doctor about private health insurance to avoid hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

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 – WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

We explain the difference between inpatient and outpatient hospital services – what these terms mean when you go to hospital. 

What to ask about your prescription medication

Got a script for a new medication? Ask your GP and pharmacist these key questions to stay informed and manage your health confidently.

HOW TO AVOID UNEXPECTED DOCTORS’ COSTS

Out-of-pocket expenses or a 'gap payment' can come as a shock after a hospital stay. Here’s how your hospital cover can help reduce the amount you’ll need to pay.

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: ARE YOU UP TO DATE?

Your guide to staying on top of your health with the right screening checks for every life stage and age.

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.

UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING DENTAL ANXIETY

Good dental health impacts our general wellbeing, which is why overcoming dental anxiety is so important. Here are some expert tips to give you something to smile about.

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 out of your GP appointment

Maximising your time with your doctor can bring real health benefits. Here’s why preparation is key to getting more out of your GP appointments.

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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