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The Indigenous Access Program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians access our services, including:
- health assessments
- adult health checks.
The program also supports our network of Medicare Liaison Officers and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line. We also promote voluntary identification within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
To learn more about providing health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients:
- download the Your guide to Medicare for Indigenous health services
- complete our Indigenous health education program.
Medicare Liaison Officers
Our Medicare Liaison Officers work in each state and territory across Australia. The Officers have specialised cultural awareness skills and training in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers. They work with Indigenous communities, Aboriginal medical services and other allied health services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line
There is a free-call telephone service available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and health workers. Staff working on the Access Line are aware of the conditions that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Voluntary identification
We promote voluntary identification within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You can use Medicare forms or the Medicare Voluntary Indigenous Identifier form.
You may wish to tell your patients about the identifier form.
We use the information to assess and improve our programs and initiatives. The information helps us send funding to places that need it most.
We hold all data securely. When we group information for statistics or reports, it contains no names or identifying facts.
For more information, call the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line.