 HEALTH
Consultations with Health Professionals
One in five Indigenous people (20%), reported having visited a doctor (either a General Practitioner or Specialist) in the two weeks prior to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health survey, while 17% had consulted an 'other health professional' (e.g. Aboriginal health worker or nurse).
The proportion of Indigenous Australians consulting health professionals (except for the dentist) was higher among the older age groups. In particular, the proportion of Indigenous persons consulting a doctor rose markedly for the 55 years and over age group.
Consultations with Health Professionals (a) Indigenous persons by Age, 2004–05
Age group (years) | Dentist (b)
% | Doctor
% | Other health professional(c)
% |
| 0–14 | 5 | 16 | 13 |
| 15–24 | 3 | 15 | 13 |
| 25–34 | 3 | 19 | 23 |
| 35–44 | 3 | 24 | 22 |
| 45–54 | *4 | 28 | 23 |
| 55 and over | *4 | 43 | 25 |
(a) In the two weeks prior to interview.
(b) Persons aged 2 years and over.
(c) See Glossary.
* estimate should be used with caution.
Source: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, Australia, 2004–05 (cat. no. 4715.0) |
Consultations with Health Professionals (a) Indigenous persons by Age, 2004–05
(a) In the two weeks prior to interview.
(b) Persons aged 2 years and over.
(c) See Glossary.
Source: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, Australia, 2004–05 (cat. no. 4715.0). |
Indigenous people in remote areas were around twice as likely as those in non-remote areas to have consulted an Aboriginal health worker, nurse or other health professional (27% compared with 14%).
Further Information
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: 2004–05, Australia, 2004–05 (cat. no. 4715.0).
Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia, 2008 (cat. no. 4704.0).
Consultations with Professionals
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This page last updated 1 April 2010 | 
