There are a number of Medicare funded Health Assessments and your GP can Bulkbill these services:
Once you are over the age of 75 it is a good idea to have a thorough check up every year.
The aim of this is to help you remain as well and as independent as possible. You will have a 45-60 minute phone call with our practice nurse followed by 15-30 minutes with your GP and this covers all areas of your health. Any services that you might benefit from can also be organised for you.
For patients: 75 years and over
Purpose
Some of the areas of discussion will include:
All senior patients report back how much they enjoy their annual long health check with our practice nurse and their GP.
Your doctor can complete the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Assessment Tool.
If you rate as being at high risk for diabetes then you are eligible for a comprehensive assessment to assist you to reduce your diabetes risk by making changes to your diet and lifestyle.
You can have this check once every 3 years.
If you are at risk of developing a chronic disease, based on lifestyle factors, current health issues or your family history, you are eligible for a Medicare Funded health assessment once between the ages of 45 and 49.
You will have a 30-45 minute telephone conversation with our practice nurse followed by 15-30 minutes with your GP at a time convenient for you.
Issues such as age appropriate screening and risk assessments including lifestyle measures will be addressed during your appointment.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a burden of chronic disease two-and-a-half times that of other Australians.
Early intervention and the management of risk factors are key.
The Indigenous Health Check is annual check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a minimum of every 9 months. The checks aim to encourage early detection, diagnosis and intervention.
Patients with a health risk factor are eligible to receive 5 subsidised allied health visits and 10 free practice nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker visits every 12 months.
Link to great resources:
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
For people with intellectual disability there are extra challenges to the provision of best possible health care. There are also more resources available to help with this.
These include an annual long health assessment and planning consultation. In many cases our practice nurse will assist with this- but in some cases your GP may do the entire assessment- please check with your GP to check what is required in your circumstances. Planning good care is complex and can be time consuming as it usually involves several other health practitioners and carers, so allow at least one hour for this visit.
Refugees who come to live in our community will have little experience with our health system, and require extra time and care in order to receive good health care.
The GPs we support have access to guidelines and may put these health assessments on Medicare to assist in this.
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