Why Paying for Healthcare Isn’t Like Buying a Tin of Beans

You're Not the Difficult One | Jo

What happens when being prepared for a medical appointment makes you look like the problem? Jo Muirhead was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer during the pandemic. As a rehabilitation counsellor, she knew the value of keeping records, asking questions and making informed decisions. But when she brought a folder of medical notes to appointments, her self-advocacy was seen by some clinicians as anxiety, difficulty and even a sign she might be litigious. Jo also shares how she felt steered towards implants during breast reconstruction discussions, through assumptions about what women are expected to want their bodies to look like after breast cancer surgery. That pressure ate into precious time and affected her trust, her mental health and her care. Her story helps women recognise that asking questions is not being difficult. It also shows why trauma-informed care matters when patients are making life-changing decisions under pressure. Care note: this episode discusses breast cancer, medical trauma and distressing healthcare experiences. Connect with Luan: * Sign up [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/contact] for Luan's personal newsletter * Email [https://open.acast.com/networks/639e5d98b0e1cf00112a9363/shows/6729a3565e15233c40acb818/episodes/luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au]Luan * Follow Luan on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods] * Connect with Luan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luanlawriewoods] * Visit Luan's website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner or service. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients to help improve healthcare for patients. Please read more in this Disclaimer [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/disclaimer] CREDITS: HOST & PRODUCER: LUAN LAWRENSON-WOODS IS AN AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE, SPEAKER AND HOST OF THE REGARDING ME AND REWRITTEN ME PODCASTS. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Are Some Medicines Subsidised and Others Not?

When you’re advocating for yourself or others, understanding the processes behind our healthcare system can help you ask better questions. Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee), unpacks the acronyms and systems that shape how medicines are subsidised in Australia. This is an episode for patients, advocates, patient organisations, clinicians and industry professionals who want to better understand how these decisions are made. Jo explains the role of PBAC, who’s on the committee and what it considers when making decisions, including advice about eligibility criteria. And why drug approval, subsidy and access are not always the same thing. She also outlines where consumers sit in the process, and how patients and patient organisations are consulted. Note: This conversation was recorded earlier in 2026, and references to global pricing and tariffs should be heard in that context. Connect with Luan: * Sign up [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/contact] for Luan's personal newsletter * Email [https://open.acast.com/networks/639e5d98b0e1cf00112a9363/shows/6729a3565e15233c40acb818/episodes/luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au]Luan * Follow Luan on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods] * Connect with Luan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luanlawriewoods] * Visit Luan's website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner or service. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients to help improve healthcare for patients. Please read more in this Disclaimer [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/disclaimer] CREDITS: HOST & PRODUCER: LUAN LAWRENSON-WOODS IS AN AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE, SPEAKER AND HOST OF THE REGARDING ME AND REWRITTEN ME PODCASTS. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why on earth would you not want boobs? | Louise

What if your gut knows what you want, but everyone else keeps telling you otherwise? When Louise was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, she knew she wanted both breasts removed and didn’t want breast reconstruction. But holding onto that decision wasn’t easy. She faced pressure from her surgeon, pity from others, and the weight of social ideas about what women should want. Louise shares what it was like to trust her instincts anyway and choose what felt right for her body. She also reflects on how running marathons topless has become a way of reconnecting with her body, reclaiming her right to live a full, visible, joyful life, and inspiring a crew of global 'flatties' to do the same! You can find Louise's book Going Topless and links to you connect with her in the episode blog on my website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts/louise-butcher-topless-marathon-after-mastectomy]. Please take care of you while listening. This episode includes references to breast cancer, mastectomy surgery, body image and mental health. Connect with Luan: * Sign up [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/contact] for Luan's personal newsletter * Email [https://open.acast.com/networks/639e5d98b0e1cf00112a9363/shows/6729a3565e15233c40acb818/episodes/luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au]Luan * Follow Luan on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods] * Connect with Luan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luanlawriewoods] * Visit Luan's website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner or service. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients to help improve healthcare for patients. Please read more in this Disclaimer [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/disclaimer] CREDITS: HOST & PRODUCER: LUAN LAWRENSON-WOODS IS AN AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE, SPEAKER AND HOST OF THE REGARDING ME AND REWRITTEN ME PODCASTS. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Medical Bills: 5 Easy Ways to Make Sure You’re Charged Correctly

This episode will help you spot medical billing red flags before they cost you. In Part 2 of my chat with Dr Margaret Faux, one of Australia’s leading experts on Medicare and medical billing law, we get practical. Margaret shares simple things patients can do to question fees, quotes and item numbers, and explains why so many women’s real out-of-pocket costs do not match the official data. You’ll also hear the simple sentence that could save you money if you need regular healthcare. We also talk about the hidden charges, vague wording, referral confusion and surprise bills that can leave women paying more than they expected at some of the most vulnerable moments in healthcare. If you’ve ever felt unsure about a quote, a bill, or whether something was charged properly, this episode will help you understand what to look for and what to ask next. You can find Margaret’s book 'How to Avoid the Medical Bill Rip Off!' and links to you connect with her in the episode blog on my website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts/medical-bills-how-to-check-charged-correctly]. Connect with Luan: * Sign up [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/contact] for Luan's personal newsletter * Email [https://open.acast.com/networks/639e5d98b0e1cf00112a9363/shows/6729a3565e15233c40acb818/episodes/luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au]Luan * Follow Luan on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods] * Connect with Luan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luanlawriewoods] * Visit Luan's website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner or service. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients to help improve healthcare for patients. Please read more in this Disclaimer [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/disclaimer] CREDITS: HOST & PRODUCER: LUAN LAWRENSON-WOODS IS AN AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE, SPEAKER AND HOST OF THE REGARDING ME AND REWRITTEN ME PODCASTS. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Paying for Healthcare Isn’t Like Buying a Tin of Beans

Nobody should be yelled at, bullied or gaslit for asking questions about healthcare costs. In the previous episode, we talked about how patients can be protected by consumer law, but paying for healthcare is not really like buying a tin of beans. In this bonus episode of Regarding Me, Dr Margaret Faux shares two powerful examples, including her own experience, that show why medical billing is never just about money. It’s also about how vulnerable patients can be when they rely on professionals to do the right thing both clinically and financially. In the next part of my conversation with Margaret, we go deeper into what to do when something doesn’t look right. Subscribe so you don't miss it! You can find Margaret’s book 'How to Avoid the Medical Bill Rip Off!' and links to you connect with her in the episode blog on my website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts/medical-billing-is-never-just-about-money]. Connect with Luan: * Sign up [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/contact] for Luan's personal newsletter * Email [https://open.acast.com/networks/639e5d98b0e1cf00112a9363/shows/6729a3565e15233c40acb818/episodes/luan@luanlawriewoods.com.au]Luan * Follow Luan on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods] * Connect with Luan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luanlawriewoods] * Visit Luan's website [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/] Guests share their personal experiences of healthcare. Individual clinicians or services are not identified, and the experiences discussed are not intended as allegations about any specific practitioner or service. Experiences are shared to explore broader patterns in healthcare and the impact they can have on patients to help improve healthcare for patients. Please read more in this Disclaimer [https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/disclaimer] CREDITS: HOST & PRODUCER: LUAN LAWRENSON-WOODS IS AN AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE, SPEAKER AND HOST OF THE REGARDING ME AND REWRITTEN ME PODCASTS. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.