A sound understanding of Australia’s complex health system is essential for all health professionals who work and collaborate with others in delivering health care. The fifth edition of Understanding the Australian Health Care System provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the structure of the health system, its various functions and the various roles within it.

Logically structured and easy to follow, the resource covers aspects of health system structure and function, health insurance, the PBS, complementary and alternate medicine, current governmental and legislative changes, and comparison to other high-income countries. This overview places into context the 12 health professions and their roles, emphasising the importance of interprofessional practice.

Fully updated to reflect current policy, trends and environment, and how these impact on the health care system, practitioners and consumers, this book is an excellent resource for those undertaking health and medical undergraduate and postgraduate courses.