The Australian Patients Association
Who we are. What we do.

The Australian Patients Association (APA) is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing and protecting the rights and interests of patients, improving the patient experience and their health outcomes. Our main roles are providing patient advocacy, information and support.

The APA’s “Core Patient Values” define and drive our mission. The APA listens to and acts for Australian patients. It strives to be the definitive “first stop”, “signpost” organisation to represent, inform and assist Australian patients. To that extent the APA develops strategic alliances with organisations involved in Australian healthcare for mutual interest and benefit.

Rather than replicating existing resources the APA collates and refers patients to the leading, authorative source in their area of patient need.

The APA primarily provides patient support services through its publications, help line and web site.

The Key APA Roles and Resources

Patient Advocacy

Campaigns, Lobbying, Advocate for change

Activities: Press Releases, Campaigns, Lobbying.

Examples of campaigns being undertaken:

  • Responsible use of Medications
  • Choosing a Private Health Fund: Finding the best from the rest.
  • Mental Health

Patient Information

Information, Resources, Tools.

Activities: Web Site, Publications, Newsletters, Mailing Lists

Examples of information provided:

  • What are my Patient Rights?
  • Information about medical diagnosis, conditions and treatment.
  • Information on Health and preventative medicine.
  • What should the medical procedure cost? Schedule Fees, Gaps, Out of Pocket Gaps, Recognising Over charging, Over servicing, Rorting.
  • Should I use Private Health Insurance? What is the right Private Health Fund for me?
  • What doctor should I use? What is their record? What do they charge?
  • Choosing the right hospital

Patient Support

Help, Assistance (Help Line, Referral Service, Patient Services)

Examples of Help Line assistance being provided:

  • What organizations are available to assist me with my condition?
  • Do I have grounds for a medical complaint? Can you assist me?
  • Support and referral to appropriate complaints areas and legal services